NSW Strata Committee Training: October 2026 Rules

NSW Strata Committee Training: Mandatory Rules from 1 October 2026

By Michael Pobi, Principal Strata Lawyer, Pobi Lawyers

From 1 October 2026, new and returning NSW strata committee members must complete annual training within three of appointment, unless exempt. The introductory course is free, online and takes about one hour. Missing the deadline automatically ends the person’s strata committee membership.

For owners corporations in Sydney and across NSW, the immediate priority is to track appointments, training deadlines and completion. The requirements are explained in NSW Fair Trading’s training guidance.

What is included in the mandatory training?

The training, titled “Introduction to Strata Committee Rights and Responsibilities,” is mandatory for appointments made from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The training includes the responsibilities of the strata committees, including the issues of repairs, risks, dispute resolution, etc.

Training is self-paced and will be accessible through Strata Hub. NSW Fair Trading will publish further annual training details in 2027.

Once launched, the course is also open voluntarily to owners, residents and prospective committee members.

When must existing and new members complete training?

This applies to new members, reappointed members, as well as members appointed to cover vacancies that are more than three months old. Those members who have been appointed before 1 October 2026 are exempted from completing training till their next appointment.

For example, a member appointed on 1 October 2026 will have to complete training by 1 January 2027. If a person gets reappointed within 12 months of his/her first appointment, then according to Fair Trading, he/she has three months.

Who is exempt from strata committee training?

Exemptions apply to strata committee members:

• in two-lot strata schemes;
• who are strata managing agents;
• who belong to the Australian College of Strata Lawyers; or
• filling a casual vacancy for less than three months.

Exempt members should give the secretary supporting evidence. The requirement does not apply to association committees in community land schemes.

What is the case in an event where the member fails to meet the deadline?

The member loses the status of being a strata committee member automatically if he/she fails to undergo the necessary training within the stipulated deadline.

Once aware, the strata committee should prevent that person from participating in further decisions as a strata committee member and consider whether the vacancy needs filling. Fair Trading advises that appointing a replacement requires a general meeting. For large strata schemes, the minimum committee size is three.

Earlier decisions are not automatically invalid. Fair Trading explains that they will generally remain valid where the strata committee acted in good faith, unaware the person’s membership had ended.

Fair Trading also states it will not take enforcement action against a member for failing to complete training. See its guidance on the consequences of missing training.

How should your owners corporation prepare?

Create a simple register showing appointment dates, deadlines, exemptions and completion status.

Fair Trading recommends that secretaries:

• send reminders no later than two months after appointment;
• obtain members’ completion certificates; and
• keep certificates and reminder notices for at least one year.

These are recommended administrative steps. The member’s obligation to complete training within time is mandatory.

If a certificate is missing, check whether training was actually completed before treating the position as vacant. Also arrange a handover of the register when the secretary changes.

The practical lesson is to confirm committee membership before decisions are made: an overlooked deadline can become a governance problem.

Need advice from a strata lawyer in Sydney?

Pobi Lawyers advises owners corporations and lot owners on NSW strata law, committee governance and related disputes.

For advice about training obligations, committee vacancies or decisions affected by a missed deadline, contact Pobi Lawyers to discuss your scheme’s circumstances.

Disclaimer 

This article is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Pobi Lawyers accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from reliance on the information contained in this article.