I'm interested in Apathy!

Do your fellow committee members, or even your body corporate manager avoid dealing with problems? Do they give vague answers or fail to deliver on their commitment? Does their apparent lack of care have an impact on the strata community you live in, or on the investment property you own? Apathy in strata is a problem. Find out how to spot it and deal with it.

Top 3 Takeaways For Dealing with Apathy in Strata:

 Be the Change You Want 

• Yes, it’s a bit airy-fairy and new-agey, but this is a good mantra to keep in mind. If apathy is a concern for you, be sure you are doing everything you can do before you start to identify it in others. For example, be sure you really did read that last AGM pack.  

Respect Other Positions 

•  Some people will not participate. In some cases they simply don’t have the time, or the comprehension or capacity. It may not be because they are lazy. Respect those positions, even if you don’t necessarily have to like it and work with it, rather than against it, if you have to.  

Take Tangible Steps 

• You have to start somewhere with apathy. Maybe take low-hanging fruit. Budget not looking healthy? Start getting quotes for quantity surveyors or auditors. Really pressing maintenance not happening? Same thing. Seek intervention (e.g., Commissioner’s Office, legal or other advice) if you have to, don’t be afraid to push that button if necessary.  

• Do you really need to record because your memory isn’t great, or are you doing it because you want to trip up someone else and get a Current Affair-style ‘gotcha!’ moment? If it is the latter, that is absolutely the wrong place to start and your issues are far deeper than a simple ‘can I record this meeting or not’ query.  

Helpful Links

• https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/federal_elections/voter-turnout.htm

Hynes Webinar Hosts

Frank Higginson

Partner & Director @ Hynes Legal

Frank has extensive experience in strata law and is an active participant in the body corporate and management rights industries. He regularly presents at industry events and offers thought leadership on why strata and body corporate disputes need to be resolved in a different way.

Chris Irons

Director & Consultant @ Strata Solve

Formerly Queensland's Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management, Chris ' experience in dealing with strata issues and resolving conflict in body corporate is unmatched. Chris bring unmatched experience to the table as well as a unique perspective on solving issues in strata. Chris now heads up strata consultancy firm Strata Solve