QUEENSLAND STRATA COMMITTEES AND TRAINING: CURRENT LANDSCAPE AND FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

From mid-2025, the second phase of strata reforms will be rolled out in New South Wales, requiring strata committee members to complete mandatory training. Failure to comply can result in a member ceasing to be on the committee.

While Queensland does not currently have mandatory training requirements for body corporate committee members, there has been ongoing discussion within the industry about the potential benefits of implementing similar training standards.

Read on for insights into the current QLD framework including optional committee training resources and potential future regulatory changes for our state.

Queensland’s Current Strata Committee Framework

Committee members play a crucial role in managing strata schemes and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements. Their key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the maintenance and repair of common property.
• Managing the body corporate’s financial affairs, including levies and budgets.
• Enforcing and complying with by-laws.
• Making decisions on behalf of lot owners.
• Engaging and managing service providers.
• Keeping proper records and meeting minutes.

Without any training, committee members can face challenges in understanding complex strata laws, financial obligations, and dispute resolution processes.

Calls for Mandatory Training in Queensland

Given the growing complexity of strata management, many industry stakeholders, including Smart Strata, have highlighted the benefits of mandatory training.

Introducing structured training could help committee members:

• Understand their legal obligations under the BCCM Act.
• Improve governance and decision-making processes.
• Avoid common pitfalls related to financial mismanagement, maintenance disputes, and by-law enforcement.
• Enhance overall community harmony within strata schemes.

Existing Training Options for Queensland Strata Committees

While training is not mandatory, several educational resources are available to committee members, including:

🔗 Smart Strata Educational Seminars

Smart Strata provides a range of educational events, including live seminars, where industry professionals discuss key strata topics. These sessions cover:

• Strata law updates and reforms.
• Committee governance best practices.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• By-law enforcement and dispute resolution.
• Common property maintenance requirements.

Online Resources and Industry Support

Smart Strata also provides a range of educational courses with covering strata basics, committee functions and compliance obligations. The Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management (BCCM) offer free online guides, fact sheets, and advisory services to help committee members navigate their roles effectively.

Potential Future Regulatory Changes

While Queensland currently does not require mandatory training, there is ongoing industry discussion regarding the potential introduction of structured education programs. If training were to become a requirement, it could follow a similar model to NSW, with courses covering:

• The legal framework of body corporate management.
• Financial oversight and insurance obligations.
• Meeting procedures and governance.
• Work health and safety in strata environments.

Conclusion

Although Queensland does not currently enforce mandatory training for body corporate committees, there is increasing recognition of its value. Education remains a key factor in effective strata management, and committee members are encouraged to take advantage of available resources, such as those offered by Smart Strata, to ensure they are well-equipped to fulfill their roles. As the strata sector continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor potential regulatory changes and industry-led initiatives aimed at improving committee governance and management practices.

This article was contributed by Grant Mifsud, Sunshine Coast Managing Partner – Archers the Strata Professionals.