Can Owners Stop a Strata Manager Representing the Owners Corporation at Fair Trading Mediation?

NSW

Committee & Governance

This article discusses strata manager mediation representation, explaining whether owners can prevent a strata manager from representing the owners corporation at Fair Trading mediation and how owners can appoint an alternative representative.

Can owners prevent the strata manager from representing the owners corporation for a mediation session run by Fair Trading?

Without any consultation with the owners corporation, the office bearers of our strata committee appointed our strata manager as the main representative of the owners corporation. Most owners don't have confidence in the strata manager and seriously question their impartiality. Can owners prevent the strata manager from representing the owners corporation for a mediation session run by Fair Trading?

Decisions of the owners corporation overrides that of the strata committee.

Yes, a strata managing agent may represent the owners corporation at mediation, and irrespective of whether this is expressly itemised/authorised under the Strata Management Agency Agreement (SMAA), we recommend that a motion is passed to delegate to the strata managing agent the duty and function to attend the mediation session on behalf of the owners corporation. This usually attracts Schedule B charges under a SMAA.

However, if owners have enough support, they can convene a general meeting to appoint their preferred representative because decisions of the owners corporation override that of the strata committee.

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Published: 26 Mar 2026

Last Updated: 7 Jul 2026

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Answer by

Leanne Habib

Premium Strata

Leanne is leading the conversation in strata and community management across Australia. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years and holding credentials as a licensed Strata and Community Manager and Real Estate Managing Agent, Leanne has masterfully redefined the essence of premium strata service. Her approach, honed through years in senior roles within top-tier agencies, is unwaveringly client-focused, ensuring that expectations are not only met but consistently exceeded.

As a pivotal member of the Strata Community Association (SCA) and the CEO of the award-winning Premium Strata, Leanne, together with her team of seasoned strata managers, embodies a commitment to unparalleled service excellence. Beyond steering Premium Strata and Premium Building Management, her influence extends across the property industry as a leading voice. Leanne's insights on legislative updates and industry shifts are invaluable, offering guidance to lot owners on intricate strata matters and fostering effective and informed strata management practices.

Leanne is a regular contributor to Lookupstrata.