Proposed resolutions for NEGM - Strengthening Democracy

• Published on 27/10/2009

The full text of the proposed resolutions will be available later on AIA's website. If you have any comments or concerns, please email the Tasmanian Branch President, Clare Wiseman - clare.wiseman@amnesty.org.au.  

NATIONAL EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING:

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA Introduction Amnesty International Australia has undertaken an extensive review of its democratic processes and how we can work better to achieve human rights impact. As a result of these consultations, several amendments to the constitution have been proposed. These amendments are to be debated and voted upon at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held at the end of November. The Tasmanian delegates to this meeting have met and discussed the proposed resolutions and have decided how they will respond to the resolutions at the EGM. We have summarised the intent of the resolutions and the intended responses below. If members are interested to find out more details the full text of the resolutions are available on the AIA website.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION ONE: Nominations for candidates for the NEC (Board of AIA) Special Resolution One provides that nominations for NEC members can be made by any member of Amnesty International Australia and seconded by any other member of Amnesty International Australia (AIA). The Constitution currently only permits candidates for the NEC to be nominated by a National General Meeting Representative and seconded by another National General Meeting Representative from a different branch to the nominating Representative. As there are currently only 19 National General Meeting Representatives, this is a very small group of people. The intention of the amendment is to make it easier for members to nominate for election. The Tasmanian delegates intend to support this resolution.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION TWO: Regionally elected NEC member This resolution proposes to change how Branches are represented on the NEC by allowing for the election of a Regional Representative as a member of the NEC who is also a member of the Branch Committee. The amendment is a result of the desire of Amnesty International Australia’s supporters to ensure regional representation whilst acknowledging the enormous role a Branch President currently plays. It provides for flexibility in the dual roles of regional leadership and representation on the NEC and retains the seven (7) regional representative positions on the Board.

The Tasmanian delegation intends to support this resolution

SPECIAL RESOLUTION THREE: Two year terms for all NEC members This special resolution is intended to provide for two year terms for all NEC members. Currently Branch Presidents are elected for single year terms whilst the other seven members of the NEC are elected for two year terms. This would ensure consistency of office and continuity of members on the NEC. The Tasmanian delegation intends to support this resolution Note, this resolution is proposed in two forms depending on the outcome of Resolution 2.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION FOUR: Staggering the terms of NEC members This resolution ensures that all members of the NEC do not change at once at the expiry of their two year terms. Staggering terms will maintain continuity on the NEC and retain its institutional knowledge. Introducing staggered terms depends upon all NEC members being elected for two years. This resolution will only be put if either form of Special Resolution 3 is adopted. This resolution is also in several forms, depending on the outcome of the previous resolutions. The Tasmanian delegation intends to support this resolution

Full copies of the resolutions and the explanatory notes are available from the Amnesty Website.

If you wish to discuss aspects of these resolutions or the voting intentions of the Tasmanian delegates please contact: Clare Wiseman at clare.wiseman@amnesty.org.au

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