VMSA CONSTITUTION Following changes to Victorian State Government Laws re Incorporated Associations, Consumer Affairs Victoria has established new “Model Rules” which affect the VMSA. The former VMSA Constitution has to be amended to conform with these Rules and include specific details in regard to the VMSA.

Major Change 1 Composition of Committee:- (Section 44) There be 11 people on the Committee – 9 elected and 2 ex officio (Immediate Past President and the Executive Officer of the VMSA both of whom do not have Voting rights).

Major Change 2 Three committee persons will be elected each year by the delegates of the member sheds (Section 53, 55)

Major Change 3 Term of Office will be for 3 years with possible re-election for a further three years (6 year maximum) (Section 55)

Major Change 4 The position of an Immediate Past President is proposed as a means of mentoring the incoming President, the executive and new committee members. This would strengthen succession planning (Section 44)

Major Change 5 The “Executive” will be elected by the persons on the Committee – the President (2 year term and eligible for re-election for an additional term)and for one year terms - a Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President who would be eligible for re-election annually (Section 52)

Major Change 6 The provision for at least one female on the Committee of Management (Section 53)

Membership 1 One major issue is the use of terminology around the use of the word “Member”. For the VMSA a “Member” will be a representative of a financial shed (called a “delegate”). These “delegates” are the only ones who can be elected onto the VMSA Committee.

Associate Members “Associate Members” are individuals, organisations who do not represent a shed but are interested in VMSA matters. They will not have voting rights and cannot stand for committee