Introduction

Recent changes to NSW strata law have introduced a significant new requirement for those serving on a strata committee. Under the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW), it is now compulsory for every strata committee member to complete prescribed training to ensure they fully understand their legal duties and responsibilities.

This new mandate is designed to improve the governance and management of strata communities across NSW. For current and future committee members, understanding these training requirements is crucial, as failure to comply will result in automatically ceasing to be a member of the committee. This guide provides essential information on what this mandatory strata committee training entails and how it will affect your role.

Understanding the New Mandatory Training Requirement

The Legal Mandate for Strata Committee Training

Recent changes to NSW strata law, introduced through the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW), have established a significant new requirement for strata committee members. This legislation mandates that every member of a strata committee is legally obligated to complete training as prescribed by government regulations.

Serving on a strata committee in NSW now comes with a formal educational requirement. According to Section 37(2) of the amended Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW): “Each member of a strata committee of an owners corporation must complete the training prescribed by the regulations.”

This requirement ensures all committee members have a baseline understanding of:

• Their roles within the strata scheme
• Their legal responsibilities
• The proper execution of their duties

The Consequences of Failing to Complete Training

The new strata laws clearly outline the penalties for non-compliance with these mandatory training requirements. The consequences are both direct and automatic, directly affecting a member’s position on the committee.

Under Section 37(3) of the amended Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), any strata committee member who fails to complete the required training will:

• Cease to be a member of the committee
• Automatically lose their position

This enforcement mechanism ensures that all serving members meet the compulsory training standards established by the new laws, maintaining the integrity and competence of strata committees throughout NSW.

The Purpose Behind Compulsory Committee Training

Ensuring Members Understand Their Legal Responsibilities

The introduction of mandatory strata committee training in NSW is primarily aimed at ensuring every committee member fully understands their legal duties and obligations. This new requirement under the strata law is designed to equip members with the knowledge needed to act in the best interests of the owners corporation.

The training intends to professionalise the role of a strata committee member, thereby protecting the interests of all owners within the scheme. By providing a clear foundation in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), the compulsory training helps members:

• Navigate their responsibilities with confidence
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation
• Act appropriately as representatives of the owners corporation

Supporting Better Decision-Making & Reducing Disputes

Another key objective of the mandatory training is to support better decision-making, which can lead to a significant reduction in strata disputes within the same communities. When a strata committee is well-informed, it is better positioned to make sound financial and operational choices for the building.

Educated committee members can manage issues more effectively, from enforcing by-laws to overseeing maintenance projects. This proactive and informed approach helps:

• Prevent disagreements from escalating
• Foster a more harmonious living environment for all residents
• Improve the overall management of NSW strata communities

What Is Known About the Training Program

Training Details to Be Confirmed by Regulations

The NSW Government has yet to release the specific details of the mandatory strata committee training program. Although the new laws establish the requirement, the practical elements of the training are still being developed.

Under the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW), each committee member must complete training “prescribed by the regulations.” Consequently, future regulations are expected to outline:

• The exact content of the training
• Its duration
• The format in which it will be delivered

However, at this stage, no details have been published regarding what the training for a committee member will involve.

Potential Training Providers & Costs

Several questions remain unanswered, including who will be authorised to deliver the mandatory strata committee training and how much it will cost. The upcoming regulations are expected to clarify:

• Whether a government body alone will offer the training or if accredited private-sector providers can participate
• The overall cost structure for committee members

Regarding the financial aspect, NSW Fair Trading has confirmed it is exploring its role in the rollout. It aims to develop the program as a complimentary service, which would make the training free for committee members.

How the New Requirement Affects Your Strata Committee

Impact on Committee Member Eligibility & Elections

The introduction of mandatory strata committee training will directly affect who is eligible to serve on a committee in NSW. Completing the prescribed training will become a fundamental prerequisite for any owner wishing to be nominated or to continue serving as a strata committee member.

This change to strata law will have practical implications for the election process at Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Some strata managers are already considering how to handle situations where an owner who has not completed the mandatory training seeks election or re-election.

The new laws mean that eligibility is no longer based solely on ownership but also on compliance with these new training requirements, which will reshape how committees are formed.

The Process for Managing Non-Compliance

The Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW) provides a framework for managing committee members who fail to meet their training obligations. Future regulations will establish a formal process for addressing non-compliance to ensure the new laws are upheld consistently across all NSW strata communities.

According to Section 37(4) of the amended Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), this process will involve:

Step	Description
1. Issue Formal Notice	A formal notice is issued to any committee member who has not completed the mandatory training.
2. Specify Timeframe	The notice will clearly state the period within which the training must be completed.
3. Provide Warning	The notice serves as an official warning that failure to comply will result in the member automatically ceasing to be part of the strata committee.

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory strata committee training under the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NSW) represents a significant change in NSW strata law, requiring every committee member to understand their legal duties or face automatic removal. This guide has covered the purpose of these new training requirements, what is known about the program, and how it will affect your strata committee’s eligibility and operations.

As these changes to strata laws approach, it is essential for your committee to be prepared. For trusted expertise and guidance on navigating the new mandatory strata committee training requirements in NSW, contact our strata law firm specialists at PBL Law Group today to ensure your strata community achieves full compliance with confidence.

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