Queensland citizens draw to the attention of the House the bullying and abuse currently existing within some incorporated associations.  Bullying and abuse can affect the physical and mental health of members. These associations misuse current election practices to gain continual election into positions on boards or committees.  Changes to the Associations Incorporated Act of 1981 would restrict unfair practices and ensure that new members could be elected and this would bring new ideas and concepts into the association.  

Proposed amendments to the Associations Incorporated Act 1981 include:

Number One

Part 7 Division 1 Section 52 (Add to (1))

(1)(a) All Management Committee members who have been members for four years must stand down and not be eligible for re-election for four years.

(b) Nominations must be placed in a locked box only opened by two independent community members after the closing date. 

Number Two

Part 7 Division 1 Section 63 (insert)

(1) Where a member is discussed at a management committee meeting, the member must be advised to attend the meeting to defend themselves with a witness if necessary.

Number Three

Part 8 Section 72 (insert New Number One)

(1) The Attorney General has the power to dissolve a board or management committee given proof of a large number of breaches of its constitution, its own policies or the Associations Incorporated Act with members being not eligible for re-election.  

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend the Associations Incorporated Act 1981 accordingly.