Short answer
A motion is a formal proposal put to a strata meeting for the owners (or the committee) to vote on — “that the owners corporation approve the budget,” “that the scheme repair the roof,” and so on. If it gets the required support, it passes and becomes a decision of the scheme.
Putting up a motion
Owners can usually submit motions to go on the agenda before a general meeting, so they’re circulated with the notice. A motion needs to be clear enough to act on — vague motions cause disputes later.
How a motion is decided
Each motion is voted on at the meeting. Most pass by an ordinary resolution (a simple majority), but some matters — like changing a by-law — need a special resolution (a much larger majority). Knowing which threshold applies matters.
Getting motions right
Well-drafted motions with the correct resolution type are what make decisions stick. A self-managed scheme can prepare its agenda and motions with a system such as Straita — so each motion is worded properly and put at the right threshold, and the committee just approves and votes.
Primary sources
- Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) — motions, ordinary and special resolutions, and voting at meetings.
- NSW Government — Strata schemes (Fair Trading) — motions and voting.