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If you’re a member of a strata committee in NSW, there’s an important new requirement coming into effect on 1 October 2026.

From this date, new and returning strata committee members will be required to complete free online training within three months of being appointed.

The introductory course takes approximately one hour to complete and is designed to give committee members a clearer understanding of their responsibilities, legal obligations and the role they play in managing their strata scheme.

What does the new training requirement mean for strata committee members?

From 1 October 2026, committee members appointed to a strata committee will need to complete the NSW Fair Trading course Introduction to Strata Committee Rights and Responsibilities.

The training is:

• Free
• Completed online
• Self-paced
• Approximately one hour in duration

The requirement applies to both new and returning committee members, as well as someone appointed to fill a vacancy where the vacancy is for more than three months.

Importantly, the training must be completed within three months of the committee member’s appointment.

Once the introductory training has been completed, committee members will have access to additional training each year, with NSW Fair Trading expected to provide further details about the annual requirements in 2027.

Why has strata committee training been introduced?

Strata committee members play an important role in the management and governance of their scheme. Decisions made by a committee can have a significant impact on owners, residents, finances, maintenance and the day-to-day operation of a building.

The new training is intended to help committee members feel more confident in carrying out their role.

According to NSW Fair Trading, the training will cover areas including:

Legal duties and governance

Committee members will gain a better understanding of their legal responsibilities and the governance role of the strata committee.

Repairs, maintenance and disputes

The training will help members navigate common issues that arise within strata schemes, including repairs and maintenance and resolving disputes.

Risk and financial health

Committee members will also develop a better understanding of managing risks and helping maintain the financial health of their scheme.

What happens if a committee member doesn't complete the training?

This is an important part of the new requirement.

A committee member who does not complete the training within three months of their appointment will automatically cease to be a member of the strata committee.

The committee secretary may send a notice advising the member that they have failed to complete the training and are no longer a committee member. However, the member will cease to hold the position automatically, whether or not a notice is issued.

If the committee becomes aware that a member has failed to complete the training, it should take steps to prevent that person from participating in future committee decisions and determine whether a replacement committee member needs to be appointed.

Where a replacement is required, a general meeting of the owners corporation will be needed.

Are there any exemptions?

The new training requirement does not apply to committee members who:

• are members of a two-lot strata scheme
• are members of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers
• are strata managing agents
• are filling a casual vacancy for less than three months.

Where an exemption applies, the committee member should provide evidence to the committee secretary.

The requirement applies to strata committees in strata schemes and does not apply to association committees in community land schemes.

Can existing committee members complete the training?

Yes.

Committee members who were appointed before 1 October 2026 are not required to complete the training under the new mandatory requirements. However, they can choose to complete it voluntarily once the course becomes available.

The training will become mandatory for existing committee members if they are re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.  The three months commences from the date of reappointment (Annual General Meeting date).

The training is also open to owners, residents and anyone considering joining a strata committee who would like to better understand the responsibilities involved.

What should your strata committee do now?

With the new requirement commencing on 1 October, committees should start preparing by making sure members understand the new rules and keeping track of appointment dates and training deadlines.

Committee secretaries will also have an important role in keeping records of completed training and Certificates of Completion, as well as reminding members about their obligations.  Committee secretaries may choose to delegate this responsibility to the strata managing agent.

The training will be available through Strata Hub from 1 October 2026. NSW Fair Trading will provide further instructions on how to register and access the course when it launches.

For strata committees, staying on top of the new requirement will help ensure members remain eligible to participate in committee decisions and that vacancies can be avoided where possible.

Need help with your strata scheme?

The introduction of mandatory committee training is another important development for NSW strata communities.

At Strata One, we understand that keeping up with changes to strata legislation and committee responsibilities can be challenging. Our team can help your owners corporation stay informed and ensure your scheme continues to be managed in accordance with its obligations.

For more information about the new training requirement, visit the NSW Government's official Strata Committee Training page.