Review of the Rule Update 

National Council are undertaking a review of The Rule – Articles for Australia. The Australian articles in The Rule are reviewed approximately every 10-15 years. This is an important process, that makes sure our membership fundamental rules continue to be helpful as the work of the Society evolves to meet the changing needs of the community.  

The review process includes three rounds of consultation with members, the first was a general call for feedback on The Rule, to help guide the review committee’s focus. In the second round National Council published a draft and sought feedback. In NSW we asked conferences, councils, and individual members to provide feedback via a survey. The State Council established a working group who reviewed the feedback from our membership, conducted a review, and produced a report on behalf of the members in NSW. Sections I and II are not being reviewed or amended, those sections come from the International Consul General (ICG) and are only reviewed/amended by the ICG.  

We would like to extend our utmost gratitude to all members who have contributed to the first and second rounds of the consultation processes.  

The third and final round of consultation is now open. National Council have provided a second draft of Section III – Articles for Australia, The Procedures (this section is still incomplete, but comment is sought on what is available), and The Appendices. The Appendices is a new section, which includes links and references to decisions of the National Council, which are binding on States (also including some work-in-progress items).  

The State Council working group is again working through the draft to produce a report to National Council on behalf of the members in NSW. All members are invited to contribute to the review via therule@vinnies.org.au. A copy of the consultation draft is attached to this newsletter.  

Thank you in advance to those who take the time to contribute to this important piece of work, which will help shape the future of the Society in Australia.