Strata living in Victoria offers many benefits: shared facilities, collective decision-making, and often a sense of community. However, the success of a strata scheme largely depends on one key group—the Owners’ Corporation Committee.
If you own a lot in a Victorian strata (owners’ corporation) scheme, understanding the role and responsibilities of the committee is essential. A proactive and informed committee can significantly influence the value, liveability, and harmony of your building.
What Is an Owners’ Corporation Committee?
In Victoria, the Owners’ Corporation Committee (formerly known as the body corporate committee) is an elected group of lot owners who represent the broader owners’ corporation. As outlined in the Owners’ Corporations Act 2006 (Vic), the committee is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day administration and decision-making of the owners’ corporation between general meetings.
The committee is elected at the annual general meeting (AGM), and generally consists of up to 12 members, depending on the size of the scheme. The committee functions similarly to a board of directors, acting on behalf of all owners to make timely and informed decisions about the property.
What Does the Committee Do?
Maintenance and Repairs
- Approves and arranges for routine and emergency repairs to common property
- Reviews maintenance schedules and implements long-term maintenance plans
- Sources quotes for major works and monitors contractor performance
- Ensures compliance with safety and building regulations
Financial Management
- Reviews and recommends annual budgets
- Oversees spending and monitors financial health
- Approves expenses within agreed delegation
- Works with strata managers to ensure levies are set and collected
- Ensures proper use of maintenance and sinking funds
Insurance
- Ensures the building has adequate insurance coverage
- Reviews policies for public liability, building, and workers compensation
Rules and Dispute Resolution
- Enforces the rules (by-laws) of the owners’ corporation
- Approves reasonable requests such as renovations, pets, or use of common property
- Handles rule breaches and resolves disputes fairly and efficiently
Governance and Records
- Maintains accurate records: financials, minutes, strata roll, contracts
- Ensures transparency and access to documents for all owners
- Responds to owner inquiries and implements decisions from general meetings
Communication and Community
- Facilitates communication between residents and the committee
- Supports community-building initiatives
- Encourages respectful behaviour and a sense of shared responsibility
Why Join the Committee?
Becoming a committee member gives you:
- A say in how your building is managed
- Direct involvement in decisions affecting your home or investment
- An opportunity to protect property value and ensure financial sustainability
- Insight into your legal responsibilities as a lot owner
The Importance of a Capable Committee
A strong, well-functioning committee is essential for the long-term success of any owners corporation. It supports effective maintenance, sound financial oversight, compliance with legislation, and fosters a cohesive community. Well-managed buildings are generally more desirable, have higher resale values, and experience fewer disputes.
On the flip side, a disengaged or dysfunctional committee can lead to maintenance backlogs, financial mismanagement, and resident dissatisfaction, all of which negatively affect property value and quality of life.
Looking Ahead: Mandatory Training
While not yet legislated in Victoria, other states like NSW are moving toward mandatory training for committee members to improve governance. Similar reforms may eventually be introduced in Victoria to:
- Improve knowledge of legal duties
- Support better governance and communication
- Enhance professionalism and accountability in committee roles
For now, Victorian committees are encouraged to seek ongoing education and work closely with experienced strata managers to stay informed and compliant.
Thinking of joining your Owners’ Corporation Committee? It’s a practical way to protect your investment, contribute to your community, and ensure your building thrives for years to come.
