EGM
24 October 2026 - 1pm

That, with effect immediately upon passage, the Constitution of the City of Brisbane Pistol Club will be amended as follows:

Add a new sub-clause 36.2(d)

36.2 A person is eligible for election as a director of the company if they:

(a) have been a member of the company for at least one (1) year,

(b) are nominated by two members entitled to vote,

(c) are not ineligible to be a director under the Corporations Act, and

(d) have not been a director of the company for more than 3 years in the past 5 years.

Amend sub-clause 36.5(a)

36.5 The directors may appoint a person as a director to fill a casual vacancy if that person:

(a) is a member of the company, including a member of the company who exceeds the director term limit in 36.2(d), and

(b) is not ineligible to be a director under the Corporations Act.

This resolution proposes the introduction of a director term limit whereby a member is only eligible for election as a director, if they have not served as a director for more than three years during the preceding five-year period. In the event there are one or more vacant director positions at the conclusion of a general meeting, the committee may continue to appoint a person as a director to fill a casual vacancy, including a member who has exceeded the director term limit.

The objective is not to exclude capable members from contributing to our Club. Rather, it is to strengthen Committee renewal, improve succession planning, encourage wider member participation, reduce the concentration of power, and strengthen member confidence in our Club's governance. Experienced members may of course continue contributing to our Club and will be warmly encouraged to do so.

The proposed amendment represents a governance-focused reform designed to benefit our Club and its members well into the future.

1. Aligns with governance best practice

Many not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, charities, and member associations utilise director term limits or maximum periods of continuous service.

Governance professionals recognise that regular board renewal contributes to effectiveness, accountability, diversity of thought, and organisational resilience.

While term limits alone do not guarantee good governance, they are a widely accepted governance mechanism that supports board effectiveness.

2. Encourages renewal and fresh ideas

Over time, even highly capable and committed directors can become accustomed to existing practices and ways of thinking. Regular turnover creates opportunities for new perspectives, new skills, and new ideas to be brought into the Committee.

Fresh voices can help our Club identify opportunities, adapt to changing member expectations, and avoid becoming complacent.

3. Reduces the risk of concentration of power

One of the recognised principles of good governance is avoiding excessive concentration of influence in a small group of individuals.

Long periods of continuous service can unintentionally lead to entrenched decision-making structures, where a small number of people become the primary custodians of information, relationships, and authority.

Term limits help ensure that leadership remains accountable to members and that our Club remains a member-driven organisation rather than being dependent on particular individuals.

4. Enhances transparency and member confidence

Members are more likely to have confidence in governance arrangements that provide regular opportunities for leadership renewal.

A constitutional mechanism that ensures periodic turnover demonstrates our Club's commitment to openness, fairness, and democratic participation. Such measures strengthen trust between the Committee and the membership.

5. Protects our Club's long-term interests

Our Club should be governed in a way that remains effective regardless of who occupies director positions at any given time.

Strong organisations build systems that encourage leadership renewal and avoid dependence on particular individuals.

Term limits help ensure that our Club's future success is based on robust governance structures rather than the continued availability of any specific director.

6. Promotes greater member participation

A healthy club should encourage members to become actively involved in its governance.

Where the same individuals occupy director positions for extended periods, potential candidates may perceive that there is little realistic opportunity to contribute at Committee level. Term limits create regular opportunities for new members to stand for election and become involved in the management of our Club. This can enhance member engagement and foster a stronger sense of ownership of our Club's future.

7. Improves succession planning

Good governance requires a pipeline of future leaders.

Without planned turnover, organisations can become heavily reliant on a small number of directors whose departure may create significant disruption.

Regular renewal encourages the identification, development, and mentoring of future leaders. It ensures institutional knowledge is shared rather than concentrated in a few individuals.

"We may lose experienced directors"

Experienced directors remain valuable members of our Club and can continue to contribute through sub-committees, mentoring, project work, or by seeking re-election after the required break period.

The proposed rule does not exclude experienced members permanently. It simply creates opportunities for leadership renewal while preserving access to valuable experience.

"The Club may struggle to find volunteers"

Establishing regular opportunities for leadership positions can encourage members who may otherwise not consider standing for election. Term limits can help create a culture where leadership development and succession planning become ongoing priorities.

"Current directors have served well"

This proposal is not a reflection on the performance of any current director. Effective governance structures should be designed to serve our Club over the long term, irrespective of who currently holds office.

The question is not whether current directors are performing well, but whether our Club's constitution should promote regular renewal and broader participation in governance.

hat, with effect immediately upon passage, clause 32.2(a) and (b) of the Constitution of the City of Brisbane Pistol Club will be amended as follows and 32.3 be added:

32.2 Procedure for electronic voting

(a) electronic voting for elections or special resolutions on notice will allow voting to commence at the conclusion of the meeting and remain open until 6pm the following evening.

(i) Members must have been present at the meeting, either physically or by means of technology in order to be eligible to cast an electronic vote.

(b) resolutions raised during a meeting may be voted on by attendees present at the meeting but must also be made available for all members present electronically to vote by electronic means until 6pm the following evening.

32.3 If electronic voting is permitted for the meeting then the club must maintain a record sufficient to verify that each member casting an electronic vote under clause 32.2 was entitled to vote and was present at the relevant general meeting.

This resolution proposes that electronic voting for matters requiring a member vote at General Meetings commence at the conclusion of the meeting and remain open until 6:00pm the following day.

The current system allows electronic voting to commence two weeks before a General Meeting, meaning members can cast their vote before hearing the full discussion, concerns or arguments raised at the meeting. It also means that any members nominated for committee positions have no opportunity to properly introduce themselves or address the members before voting has commenced.

This change will ensure members have the opportunity to hear all matters raised at the meeting, including any concerns or issues raised during discussion. It will also allow any newly nominated candidates to introduce themselves and address the members before they cast their votes.

This will provide members with the opportunity to make a more informed and considered decision, rather than voting before all relevant information and candidates have been heard.

Members should be given the opportunity to hear all sides before they vote, not vote before they have heard them.