Community living brings people together to share more than just a building. It also involves shared decision‑making, shared responsibilities and, often, shared expectations about how a property should be managed.
Once an owners corporation or body corporate elects a committee, the next step is deciding who will take on the key office‑bearing roles. These roles support how meetings are run, records are kept, and the property’s finances are managed.
Across Australia, the way office bearers are appointed can differ between states/territory. In some states, committee members may decide among themselves who will hold each role at the first committee meeting. In others, office bearer roles are commonly voted on at a general meeting. The exact process can also vary depending on the type of scheme and its governing documents.
One person may take on more than one role, provided they are comfortable managing the responsibilities involved. While individual committee members do not generally make decisions on behalf of the committee, office bearers often carry out specific tasks linked to their roles.
Beyond administrative responsibilities, committees often work together to set practical goals for the property and support outcomes that reflect the needs of lot owners and residents.
The chairperson plays a central role in guiding meetings and supporting productive decision‑making within the committee.
Their primary focus is to preside over general meetings and committee meetings they attend, helping discussions run smoothly, fairly, and in line with relevant legislation and meeting procedures. This often includes confirming whether a quorum is present, ruling on procedural matters, and keeping discussion aligned with the agenda.
If the chairperson is unavailable, another committee member may be nominated to chair that meeting.
A capable chairperson can help meetings feel more efficient and inclusive, which often contributes to better collaboration across the committee.
The secretary is often the main administrative contact for the owners corporation or body corporate.
This role typically involves managing correspondence, organising meetings, and maintaining key records. The secretary may also act as a central point of contact between lot owners, committee members, and the strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager.
A well‑organised secretary can help the committee stay informed, compliant, and responsive.
The treasurer oversees the scheme’s financial administration, supporting the property’s long‑term financial health.
This role is often compared to that of a chief financial officer, with responsibilities including budgeting, record‑keeping, and monitoring income and expenditure.
The treasurer often works closely with the strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager to support financial planning and reporting.
Many of the day‑to‑day tasks associated with the chairperson, secretary, and treasurer roles can be delegated to an appointed strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager.
Delegation can help reduce the workload for volunteer committee members and support compliance with legislative and administrative requirements. Even where tasks are delegated, the owners corporation or body corporate generally remains responsible for decisions and outcomes.
Managing a scheme involves a wide range of responsibilities, from meetings and finances to compliance and maintenance. A manager can assist by taking on much of the administrative and financial work, allowing committees to focus on decision‑making and community priorities.
Managers act as a central point of contact, offering industry knowledge and local expertise. They provide information on processes, legislative updates, and key timelines, helping the property stay in compliance with state regulations. They also offer tailored insights for your property, clarified by‑laws or building rules, and highlight areas that need attention so owners understand their rights and responsibilities.
Organising meetings can require significant coordination. Managers assist with planning and communication, from notifying owners about upcoming meetings to encouraging participation and facilitating discussions. Whether it is an
annual general meeting, a regular committee meeting, or an extraordinary meeting for urgent matters, they help keep communication clear and decisions on track.
Accurate records are vital for smooth operations. Managers assist with maintaining financial reports, compliance certifications, and maintenance histories. When documents are needed for insurance or regulatory purposes, they work alongside the committee to retrieve and organise the right information.
Budgeting and levy collection are essential but often complex. Managers guide committees through setting budgets, allocating funds, and managing levy notices and reminders. They also keep owners informed about key dates for government fees, supporting compliance and financial organisation.
Finding reliable service providers can be challenging. Managers often connect committees with trusted professionals, such as building maintenance companies, insurance providers, and certified tradespeople.
Learn why strata managers are essential to your community.
While terminology and governance structures differ between states and territories, committee members across Australia are generally expected to act honestly, fairly, and with due care in their roles.
In the Northern Territory, body corporate committee members operate under the Unit Titles Schemes Act 2009. Duties commonly focus on acting honestly, avoiding conflicts of interest, and performing functions in the best interests of the body corporate, while complying with the Act and scheme rules.
Under Section 37 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, each member of a strata committee of an owners corporation has a duty to act:
Voting members of body corporate committees are bound by a Code of Conduct, found in Schedule 1A of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997.
The code outlines six key obligations:
In Tasmania, committee members operate under the Strata Titles Act 1998. While there is no outlined Code of Conduct, committee members are generally expected to act in good faith, exercise due care, and carry out their functions in line with the Act and scheme requirements.
Committee or sub-committee members of an owners corporation are bound by the duties outlined in Section 117 in the Owners Corporations Act 2006. These include:
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Committees play an important role in shaping how a property operates and how people experience living or investing in it. While the responsibilities of chairpersons, secretaries, and treasurers can differ across states and territories, these roles all contribute to clear communication, sound decision‑making, and the ongoing care of the property.
Understanding what each role typically involves can help committee members feel more confident in their responsibilities, and help lot owners better understand how decisions are made on their behalf. It can also be useful for prospective buyers who want insight into how a scheme is managed and supported.
Just as importantly, committees do not need to manage everything on their own. Working with a strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager can provide practical support, industry knowledge and guidance that help committees navigate legislation, administration, and day‑to‑day operations more effectively.
Whether you are new to a committee, considering nominating for a role, or simply wanting to better understand how your scheme operates, having a clear picture of committee roles can support more informed participation and stronger communities.
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This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on May 2026.
