Introduction

Dear SSAA ACT Inc. Members

The SSAA ACT Inc. Council is undertaking an important review of our Associations governance framework to ensure it meets the current and future needs of our members, clubs, and disciplines. As part of this process, we are inviting all members to participate in a formal consultation regarding two key documents that will shape the future of the Association.

These documents are:

• The Proposed SSAA ACT Inc. Constitution, and

• The Members Entity Discussion Paper.

To ensure members can provide their feedback, we are asking members to review these documents and provide feedback through this survey.

It is vital that you read these documents prior to completing the survey and take the time to carefully consider your feedback.

We are interested in hearing a little about you. Your membership status and number is complusory, but the rest of this information is not complusory to provide your feedback on the draft Constitution. 

Introduction

The proposed constitution includes a list of defined terms that support the reader in understanding the provisions of the proposed constitution. It outlines the definition and supports the interpretation throughout the various provisions and rules.

These definitions will be continued throughout all Association documents, including various policies and procedures to manage the Associations business.

They have been designed to limit alternate interpretations and reduce ambiguity when reading the proposed constitution.

Introduction

Over the nearly 60-year history of the Association, the core business of the SSAA ACT Inc. has evolved to what it is today.

The proposed amendment of the Associations Objects has been carefully considered to align with the current business of the Association and to ensure sufficient coverage in the Objects to allow for growth of the Association and to meet the needs of our members now and into the future. These Objects also provide at a high level the foundational requirements for the protection of our members.

Introduction

This section replaces section 14 and 19 of the current Constitution and provides the framework for member rights, responsibilities and obligations for individual and discipline, club and section membership to the Association.

It introduces “Member Entity’s” and provides a pathway for an existing discipline, club or section to reaffirm their status within the SSAA ACT Inc. The introduction of this category of membership ensures that the Association is best placed to ensure compliance with the lease and regulatory provisions required as the sole lessee and as an approved club under the ACT and NSW Firearms Acts.

Introduction

This is a new section and provides the outline for recognition of Associate Members. This ensures that members of SSAA States and Territories outside of the ACT are recognised for the purposes of SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex use and provides the outline for the required conduct while undertaking these activities.

Introduction

These sections are required by the laws governing Incorporated Associations operating in the ACT.

They provide the framework for the protection of members interests and how the Association will manage disputes, complaints and disciplinary matters.

The disciplinary procedure also introduces the Members Protection Policy. This Policy is designed to ensure members are treated fairly and equitably through all aspects of their membership and activities on the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex.

Introduction

The current Council is composed of the Executive Committee (elected at an AGM), appointed positions (CRO, CSO, Chairs of Sub-Committees, like RMIC and FRACC), Members Delegates representing the interests of members not part of a discipline, club or section, and a delegate from each existing discipline, club or section.

The current Council is comprised of a total of 32 positions.

The proposed draft constitution does not amend the way Council is formed. Instead, there are some additional conditions on who can hold certain positions. These are proposed to further support members and provide stronger representation.

There are also no proposed amendments to the election of the Executive Committee. The proposed constitution has been amended to provide high-level information about the roles, duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee. This has been added to provide certainty to members about what the Executive Committee are responsible for.

Introduction

The current constitution does not provide much information about the calling of meetings, the meeting structure and required agenda items. The proposed constitution provides more structured information about what is required at each level of meeting and what the member responsibilities are.

Changes are proposed to the prescribed notice period to call a meeting, and improvements have been made to ensure clarity.

It is also being proposed to amend the quorum requirements and the number of members required to call a Special General Meeting. This is inline with the Associations growth since the current constitution was adopted.

Introduction

The current constitution, in place since 2013, is no longer fit-for-purpose and does not provide for the banking industry’s advancement in technology. For example, payments are required to be paid for by cheque.

Changes are being proposed to allow the Association to make disbursements by any means available. This will ensure future-proofing if there are significant changes to banking.

This section still requires the Association to expend funds to further the objects of the Association and support the continued maintenance and running of the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex.

It provides protections for the use of funds and details the authorisations and requirements for payments to members for goods or services provided to the Association.

Introduction

The current constitution does not provide the rules for entering into affiliation agreements or document the obligations of affiliated clubs.

The addition of this section provides the framework required to ensure the Association members are protected and reduces the risk of unauthorised or unfair affiliations.