Request for feedback on Proposed Changes to the Friends' Constitution
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Friends' Council Members 2023-2024
Review of Friends Constitution
Background
Friends Council was advised in January 2024 by the ATO that tax law changes to deductible gift recipient (DGR) organisations came into effect 1 January 2024. As a result, the 2022 Friends Constitution needed to address this change to comply with the new administrative arrangements relating to the previously known Public Fund.
In addition in late 2023, The ACT Government had reviewed its Model Rules for incorporated associations, and introduced new provisions for dispute resolution and clearer provisions for disciplinary proceedings.
Procedure
Council agreed in March 2024 that a sub-committee be formed to review the Constitution and draft the necessary amendments.
In May 2024, the committee completed that review and prepared a Draft Constitution for final review by Council, who approved this draft for distribution to its membership.
Editorial changes
Inclusion of amendments has necessitated some minor edits throughout the Constitution. The opportunity has also been taken to properly index and include page numbering to the Constitution, and make other editorial amendments to update the constitution.
The proposed changes are summarised in the document Changes to the Constitution to give effect to Gift Fund arrangements, Dispute Resolution provisions and other minor amendments (PDF, 426 KB).
In the full text of the Draft Constitution 2024 (PDF, 961 KB), minor edits highlighted in bold dark blue are inclusions and words highlighted as struck through in red are to be removed from the Constitution.
Feedback Invited
Financial members of the Friends ANBG are invited to provide feedback on the Draft Constitution to the Secretary at secretary@friendsanbg.org.au by 30 July 2024.
Feedback will be reported to the Friends Council at its August 2024 meeting. Any changes agreed will be incorporated into the Draft Constitution in time for presenting at the Friends AGM on Thursday 24th October 2024 for resolution by financial members in attendance or by proxy.
