Electronic voting & electronic seals

Important Legislative Update: Electronic Voting and Seals Now Official

We are pleased to announce a significant legislative update impacting strata management in New South Wales. Effective September 30, 2022, the temporary measures introduced in June 2020 for electronic voting and common seals have officially become law in NSW. This update is set to streamline strata operations and provide more convenience to owners. Here are the key highlights of this legislative update:

Electronic Voting in Meetings

Owners now have the flexibility to utilize electronic means for voting during meetings, provided that:

• The electronic means are specified in the notice of the meeting.
• Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that all participants can vote electronically.

For pre-meeting electronic voting, a resolution approving its use must be passed by owners.

Resolutions Made Electronically

Owners corporations can accept any resolution made electronically, with the exception of pre-meeting electronic voting for the election of the strata committee.

Procedural Changes for Committee Elections

Minor wording adjustments have been made to the procedures concerning the nomination and election of strata and association committee members and office holders.

Electronic Common Seals

Electronic forms of common seals are still acceptable for executing documents within strata schemes. While there are no prescribed technologies for electronic seals, it is recommended that strata schemes prioritise security when selecting an electronic seal method.

This legislative update marks a significant step forward in embracing modern technologies to enhance strata management efficiency and accessibility. Strata schemes now have greater flexibility in conducting meetings and can leverage electronic solutions to streamline common processes.

At Strata Plus, we are committed to staying informed about legislative changes like these to better serve our clients. We encourage strata owners and committees to explore the possibilities that electronic voting and seals offer to simplify strata management tasks and operations. If you have any questions or need guidance on how to implement these changes effectively, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to assist you in navigating these updates and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.

Strata Schemes Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2022

November 2022