Question: At our recent AGM, a number of motions were being considered. As each motion was read, the OC gave their recommendation. Should the committee have this influence?
I have a question regarding the protocol at an AGM.
Recently we had a number of motions to be considered by the Owners Corporation.
As each motion and the explanation was read to the Owners the Chairperson finished with the words “The Committee supports this motion” or “the Committee does not support this motion”.
The motions supported by the Committee were passed and the motions not supported by the Committee failed. In addition to this, each Committee member held a proxy for Owners not able to attend.
Is it correct that the Chairperson and Committee have this influence?
Answer: It is not unusual for the Strata Committee to put forward a recommendation.
It is difficult to provide any specific guidance as I do not know the motions being considered. It is not unusual, in my experience, for the Strata Committee to put forward a recommendation. They are usually involved with the day to day running of the strata scheme and so often they know more about what the matter relates to and have formed an opinion.
Section 26 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 details the requirements around the appointment of a proxy and Committee members are often provided with proxies by owners unable to attend as they are visible elected members of the Owners Corporation.
This post appears in Strata News #569.
Robert Fothergill Strata Life E: Robert@thestratalife.com.au P: 02 9456 9917