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Introduction

The running of a meeting in a work environment is usually very controlled with a clear objective to be attained, in an ideal world the treatment of co-workers in this forum is maintained to a clear set of rules in terms of; discrimination and use of communication skills that ensure fair treatment and a harmonious environment. However when a meeting is comprised of a group of people who don't necessarily want the same outcome, emotions can sometimes outweigh rationale.

Code of Conduct for Voting Members

  • The amendments to the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2006 was passed by parliament and became law on July 1 2007.
  • The main focus of the changes is as follows:
    • Self Resolution of Disputes
    • Code of Conduct for Voting Committee Members
    • Commercial and Consumer Tribunal
    • Adjudicator's power to award costs
  • The Code of Conduct for Committee Voting Members in section 101B the BCCM Act 2007 Amendments states the following:
    • The code is included in a new Schedule 1A of the Act and sets out basic principles and standards expected of each person who is chosen as a voting member of a Body Corporate Committee.

Briefly, the code of conduct requires the voting member to:

  1. Have a commitment to acquiring an understanding of the Act and the code;
  2. Act honestly and fairly and with confidentially;
  3. Act in the Body Corporate's best interests;
  4. Comply with the Act and the Code;
  5. Not cause a nuisance;
  6. Disclose a conflict of interest.

Dealing with a breach of the Code of Conduct

  • The Body Corporate may decide by ordinary resolution at a General Meeting to give the Voting Committee Member a written notice if it believes the member has breached a provision of the code.


    Among other things the notice must include:

    • Sufficient details of the breach (limited to 600 words);
    • A statement that the member may give any other member of the Body Corporate a written reply (limited to 600 words) within 21 days;
    • A statement that the Body Corporate (if asked) will pay the reasonable photocopy expenses and postal charges incurred by the Committee Member;
    • A statement that the Body Corporate is to consider a motion to remove the Committee Member at the next General Meeting.
  • A Committee Member who receives this notice must be given the opportunity to provide a written response (limited to 600 words) within 21 days after being given the notice. If a 'breach' notice is given the Body Corporate must include on the agenda of the next General Meeting a motion to remove the Committee Member from office.

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