A NSW Lot owner is wondering what to do about other committee members who constantly sends bullying emails full of offending words and disrespectful terms. Rod Smith, The Strata Collective provides the following response.
Question: What are my rights as a committee member who is abused in emails constantly with offending words and disrespectful terms about quotes and repairs for the block from another committee member?
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I’d like to find out about rules around strata bullying in Australia. What are my rights as a committee member to be abused in emails constantly with offending words and disrespectful terms about quotes and repairs for the block from another committee member?
Answer: Harassment and intimidation is never ok.
Harassment and intimidation is never ok. This kind of behaviour is beyond the scope of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and regulations.
I would suggest discussing the issue one on one with the person responsible after your next meeting. It may be useful to invite an independent person such as a fellow committee member to act as a go-between for the conversation.
Stay calm and don’t get aggressive, the key is to communicate how this issue makes you feel and how you want to move forward. I would open with a discussion stating that a strata committee is required to be run professionally and that you request that they refrain from using offensive and disrespectful terms in emails.
If this issue is unable to be resolved, I would recommend that your building adopts a strata committee charter at your next AGM.
This post appears in Strata News #199.
Rod Smith
The Strata Collective
T: 02 9879 3547
E: [email protected]
“This article is for reference purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the developments in the law and practice or to cover all aspect of the subject matter. It does not constitute legal or other advice and should not be relied upon this way. Readers should take legal or other advice before applying the information containing in this publication”
Are you interested in more information about strata bullying in Australia OR further information about legislation applicable to strata living in your state or territory? Visit our Strata Noisy Neighbours, Strata Committee Concerns OR NSW Strata Legislation pages.
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