A body corporate chairperson manages meeting procedure and helps the committee make decisions properly. This article covers the chairperson’s responsibilities, meeting powers and limits.
What does a body corporate chairperson do?
Queensland’s Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 and the applicable regulation module set the framework for the role.
The chairperson presides over body corporate meetings and helps them run smoothly, fairly and in accordance with the legislation.
The chairperson must chair all general meetings and committee meetings they attend. The detailed requirements can vary between regulation modules, so check which module applies to your scheme.
What does the chairperson do before and during a meeting?
Good meeting practice includes helping prepare the agenda, opening the meeting and keeping discussion focused and balanced.
During the meeting, the chairperson determines whether there is a quorum and deals with procedural matters. A quorum is the minimum number of eligible people needed before the meeting can start. For example, under the Standard Module, a committee meeting generally needs at least half of its voting members present.
For general meetings, quorum requirements are different and can depend on the regulation module and any applicable body corporate resolution.
See our guide to running effective committee meetings for practical meeting tips.
Can the chairperson rule a motion out of order?
At a general meeting, the chairperson must rule a motion out of order if it would conflict with the legislation, a by-law or a motion already voted on. They must also rule it out of order if it would be unlawful or unenforceable, or if its substance was not included in the agenda, subject to limited exceptions.
The chairperson must give reasons for the ruling. The meeting can overturn a ruling about an unlawful, conflicting or unenforceable motion by passing an ordinary resolution. The reasons must be recorded in the minutes.
What does the chairperson do during voting and elections?
The chairperson declares voting results at a general meeting, including the votes for, against and abstentions.
For a committee election requiring a ballot, the chairperson confirms that ballot papers were cast by people entitled to vote and declares the election result.
What happens if the chairperson cannot attend?
If the chairperson is absent, the people entitled to vote who are present can choose another person to chair a general meeting.
For a committee meeting, the voting members present can choose another member, with that member’s agreement, to chair the meeting.
How much authority does the chairperson have?
The chairperson does not have more authority than other committee members. They manage meeting procedure and do not decide the substance of motions alone. Committee decisions are made by the required vote of eligible members.
The chairperson’s role is to keep meetings orderly and ensure decisions follow the applicable rules. If you need help understanding the role in your scheme, contact StrataCare at reception@stratacare.com.au.
