Constitution

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The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network

Adopted 10 January 2017

IPAN is  incorporated in the ACT

CONTENTS

Name of the Network
Definitions
Objectives of IPAN
Qualifications for membership of IPAN
Associates of IPAN
Register of affiliates of IPAN
Subscriptions of affiliates of IPAN
Termination of membership of IPAN
Suspension or expulsion of affiliates of IPAN
Co-ordinating Committee
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Co-ordinating Committee meetings
Quorum for a Co-ordinating Committee Meeting
Resolutions of Co-ordinating Committee Without Meeting
Order of Business of Coordinating Committee Meeting
Pecuniary Interest
General Meeting types
Notice of Special General Meeting (SGM)
Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Special Resolution
General Meetings (GM)
Quorum for General Meetings
Voting at General Meetings
Notice for General Meetings
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Amendments of Rules
Minutes of General Meetings
Common seal of IPAN
Funds & Accounts
Inspection of records, etc. of IPAN
Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Delegation Sub-Committee(s)
Distribution of surplus property on winding up of IPAN

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION – Section 81

CONSTITUTION (RULES) OF A NETWORK FOR AN INDEPENDENT AND PEACEFUL AUSTRALIA

Name of the Network

1. This is the Constitution governing the activities of a network setup to promote an independent, peaceful Australia known as “The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network” (hereafter referred to as “IPAN”).

Definitions

2. In this Constitution, unless the contrary intention appears –
   1. “convene” means to call together for a formal meeting;
   2. “normal financial year” means a period commencing 1 July and ending on 30 June in the following year;
   3. “first financial year” means a period not exceeding 15 months fixed by the Co-ordinating Committee, being a period commencing on the date the adoption of this Constitution and ending on 30 June;
   4. “general meeting” means a meeting to which all affiliates are invited;
   5. “member” means affiliate of the Network;
   6. “ordinary resolution” means resolution other than a special resolution;
   7. “poll” means voting conducted in written form (as opposed to a show of hands);
   8. “special general meeting” means a general meeting convened by the Co-ordinating Committee to discuss and vote on special resolution;
   9. ‘Act’ means the Associations Incorporations Act 1991 (ACT) as amended from time to time;
   10. ‘Annual General Meeting’ is the annual general meeting of the members of the Network called and convened by the Co-ordinating Committee;
   11. ‘Co-ordinating Committee’ means the members for the time being of the Co-ordinating Committee as constituted in accordance with this Constitution;
   12. ‘Financial Member’ means an affiliate who has been duly accepted as such by the Coordinating Committee in accordance with this Constitution and who has paid all their current affiliate subscriptions or other dues payable in accordance with this Constitution;
   13. ‘Affiliate’ means a group which is a financial member;
   14. ‘Notice’ includes
       1. posting on IPAN website for a minimum of seven days,
       2. email to a member’s nominated email address,
       3. posting by prepaid post written notification to a member’s nominated postal address,
       4. facsimile to a member’s nominated facsimile number, or
       5. telephone contact to a member’s nominated contact telephone number.;
   15. ‘Chairperson’ means the national Chairperson of IPAN and the Chairperson of the Coordinating Committee; and
   16. ‘Register’ means the Register of Affiliates.
   17. ‘Region’ mean Asia/Pacific.

Structure of IPAN

3. As a network, IPAN is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together other organisations and/or groups, as affiliates. These affiliates come together to achieve the particular purposes outlined in its objectives, below, (assuming that, once the purpose has been achieved, IPAN will be wound up).
4. IPAN is to become incorporated in the ACT and to be subject to the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (the Act) and the Associations Incorporation Regulation 1991 (the Regulation).
5. These Constitution (Rules) (hereafter referred to as “the Constitution”) are hereby agreed to by the affiliates to establish a Co-ordinating Committee. This committee will act as a formation committee for the establishment of the Incorporated Association, whilst at the same time negotiating rules of engagement with what it considers to be principal organizations and bodies close to these principal organizations. Further detail on the structure of IPAN is included below in these rules.
6. IPAN is a Not-for-Profit Association. The income and capital of IPAN shall be applied exclusively to the promotion of IPAN’s aims and principles and no portion shall be paid or distributed directly or indirectly to members or their associates except as bona fide remuneration of a member for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of IPAN.

Mission and Objectives of IPAN

7. The overall mission of IPAN is to:
   1. Advocate for an independent and peaceful Australia, free of foreign military bases, and free of interventions by other foreign Governments, corporations, or vested interests, that at present seek to exert undue influence, in shaping Australia’s foreign and defence policies, in a manner that diminishes Australia’s sovereignty; and
   2. Recognise that a truly peaceful and independent Australia cannot be achieved without resolving the past cruel and unjust takeover of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, and, in its activities, to work to address these injustices, which began under British Law, and have continued under Australian Governments, since Federation.
8. To assist it in achieving this mission, IPAN will seek to (its objectives):
   1. Promote an independent Australian foreign policy, a policy that builds peace and promotes non-violent resolution of any conflicts in our region;
   2. Oppose the establishment of any foreign military bases, and the deployment of any foreign troops and/or military hardware, in Australia and the Asia-Pacific;
   3. Provide information, analysis, coordination and other assistance for affiliates and other NGOs, unions, churches, and community groups, to campaign on Australia’s peace and security options;
   4. Build links with peoples and organisations in the Asia-Pacific campaigning for peace and against military bases and troops in the region;
   5. Promote a vision of a peaceful, just and sustainable Australia; and
   6. Organise such events and activities as will promote these objectives.
9. Any property held in Trust on behalf of IPAN and all income of IPAN shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the mission/objectives of IPAN and no part of that property or income may be paid or otherwise distributed, directly or indirectly, to affiliates, except in good faith in the promotion of those objectives.

Qualifications for membership of IPAN

10. Membership of IPAN is open to those organisations/groups which agree with the mission and objectives of IPAN as detailed in Sections 7 and 8.
11. Any organisation/group who wishes to become an affiliate (hereafter referred to as “the applicant”) must inform the Co-ordinating Committee of its wish to become affiliated.
12. The Co-ordinating Committee will grant affiliation if it is satisfied that the applicant supports IPAN’s mission and shares IPAN’s objectives.
13. An application for affiliation may be refused by the Co-ordinating Committee, however, any such
    decision is subject to review by the next General Meeting of affiliates.
14. The applicant must notify IPAN upon application (and, following affiliation, as appropriate) of the name of a member of their affiliated organisation/group willing to maintain contact with IPAN’s Coordinating Committee.
15. Each affiliated group and associate is expected to make a contribution towards funding the activities of IPAN. This shall at minimum be an annual affiliation fee (See Sections 21-24 below).

Associates of IPAN

16. Individuals who are committed to the mission and objectives of IPAN, who may or may not be members of an affiliated organisation / group, can become recognised as an IPAN Associate (supporter) by formal application to the Co-ordinating Committee who may formally accept association, and register details of the Associate in the IPAN Association Register.
17. A registered Associate can attend General Meetings, and has an entitlement to speak, but does not have voting rights.
18. Associates will pay an annual fee as decided by the AGM.
19. The Co-ordinating Committee may co-opt Associates to assist with tasks where their experience and proven expertise would benefit IPAN. This may include membership of a Sub-committee as described in Section 102.

Register of Affiliates of IPAN

20. The Secretary must, on behalf of IPAN:
    1. keep and maintain in an up to date condition a register of the affiliates of IPAN and their postal / residential and e-mail addresses and phone numbers; and
    2. upon the request of an affiliate, make the register available for inspection by the affiliate; and
    3. the affiliate may make a copy of or take an extract from the register but shall have no right to remove the register for that purpose; and
    4. the register must be kept and maintained at the Secretary’s place of residence, and at such other place as the affiliates, at a General or Co-ordinating Committee meeting decide. This record must be kept in both ‘hard copy’ and electronic format.

Subscriptions of Affiliates of IPAN

21. To be an Affiliate or Associate of IPAN, an annual affiliation fee (hereafter called the ‘subscription’) is required.
22. The AGM will determine the amount of the subscription to be paid by Affiliates and Associates.
23. The subscription for each Affiliate is determined by a sliding scale as decided by the AGM.
24. The amount payable will depend on the ability of each organisation/group to pay.
25. Subscriptions are payable annually, and are renewable on 1 July each year (hereafter called the ‘renewal date’).
26. Each affiliate must pay to the Treasurer, on or before the renewal date, or such other date as the Co- ordinating Committee from time to time determines, the full amount of the subscription determined under Sections 22 and
27. If an affiliate’s fees extend three months into arrears, IPAN will initiate discussion in pursuit of an agreement for the affiliate to pay their fee.

Termination of membership of IPAN

28. Membership of IPAN may be terminated upon –
    1. receipt by the Secretary or another Co-ordinating Committee member of a notice in writing from the affiliate of their resignation from IPAN. Such affiliate remains liable to pay to IPAN the amount of any subscription due and payable by that affiliate to IPAN but unpaid at the date of termination; or
    2. non-payment by an affiliate of their subscription under Section 23 following proper application of Section 28; or
    3. expulsion of an affiliate in accordance with Sections 29-33.

Suspension or expulsion of affiliates or associates of IPAN

29. If the Co-ordinating Committee considers that an affiliate or associate should be suspended or expelled from membership of IPAN because their conduct is detrimental to the interests of IPAN, the Co-ordinating Committee must communicate, either orally or in writing, to the affiliate or associate not less than 30 days before the date of the Co-ordinating Committee meeting referred to in the following paragraphs:-
    1. notice of the proposed suspension or expulsion and of the time, date and place of the Co- ordinating Committee meeting at which the question of that suspension or expulsion will be decided; and
    2. particulars of that conduct,
30. At the Co-ordinating Committee meeting referred to in a notice communicated under Section 29, the Co-ordinating Committee may, having afforded the affiliate or associate concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard by, or to make representations in writing to, the Co-ordinating Committee, suspend or expel or decline to suspend or expel that affiliate or associate from membership of IPAN and must, forthwith after deciding whether or not to suspend or expel that affiliate or associate, communicate that decision in writing to that affiliate or associate.
31. Subject to Section 32, an affiliate or associate has their membership suspended or ceases to be an affiliate or associate 14 days after the day on which the decision to suspend or expel them is communicated to them under Section 29.
32. An affiliate or associate who is suspended or expelled under Section 31 must, if the organisation or he or she wishes to appeal against that suspension or expulsion, give notice to the Secretary of their intention to do so within the period of 14 days referred to in Section 31.
33. When notice is given under Section 32, IPAN, in a General Meeting, must –
    1. either confirm or set aside the decision of the Co-ordinating Committee to suspend or expel the affiliate or associate, after having afforded the affiliate or associate who gave that notice a reasonable opportunity to be heard by, or to make representations in writing to, IPAN in the general meeting; and
    2. the affiliate who gave that notice is not suspended or does not cease to be an affiliate unless and until the decision of the Co-ordinating Committee to suspend or expel him or her is confirmed under this Section.

Co-ordinating Committee

34. The purpose of the Co-ordinating Committee is to carry out the necessary day to day business of IPAN.
35. Subject to these rules, and subject to a resolution carried at a General Meeting of affiliates, the Co- ordinating Committee has the general control and administration of the property, funds, legal responsibilities, appointment and management of staff, and the overall affairs of IPAN.
36. The national Co-ordinating Committee is composed of two representatives from each state and territory (a maximum possible sixteen members).
37. Affiliates in each state or territory must interact with one another in order to select that State’s or Territory’s representatives on the CC. Therefore ‘State Networks’ of IPAN affiliates will be formed. (See Section 108, below)
38. Formal endorsement of the selection by a State Network [or single Affiliate, if only one Affiliate exists in a jurisdiction] will take place during the AGM in any given year.
39. If a State Network cannot meet to decide its selection or fails to make a selection through a failure to identify suitable representatives, it loses its voice on the Co-ordinating Committee, whilst retaining its right to have two representatives. The sixteen positions remain in place, whether vacant or occupied.
40. The State Network shall decide who will be their representatives and decide on the period for which its representatives take their place on the Co-ordinating Committee.
41. State Networks can decide on a representative to fill any casual vacancy on the CC, if any State representative is unable to attend a particular CC meeting.
42. The AGM will select, from these sixteen positions, persons to take on the role of (Honorary) Chairperson, (Honorary) Treasurer and (Honorary) Secretary.
43. The role of Treasurer should extend for a period covering at least one full financial year.
44. The Co-ordinating Committee may co-opt individuals, other members of an affiliated group, an associate or any other ‘supporter’, to join any sub-committee which it decides would be of use in dealing with any particular task (See Sections 99-106).

Chairperson

45. The Chairperson selected under Section 42 should preside at the AGM, General Meetings and Special General Meetings.
46. The role of Chairperson may include that of ‘convenor’ of Co-ordinating Committee meetings. However, the role of convenor of Co-ordinating Committee meetings should be decided by that committee, in advance of each successive meeting, as appropriate to the Co-ordinating Committee members available and the circumstances at the time (see Section 51).
47. In the event of the absence of the Chairperson at the AGM a General Meeting or a Special General Meeting, a member must preside as elected by the other affiliates present.

Secretary

48. The Secretary must –
    1. co-ordinate the correspondence of IPAN;
    2. keep full and correct minutes of the proceedings of the Co-ordinating Committee and of IPAN;
    3. keep a register of affiliates of IPAN, as referred to in Section 20;
    4. keep a register of Associates of IPAN, as referred to in Section 16;
    5. keep and maintain in an up to date condition the Constitution of IPAN and, upon the request of a affiliate of IPAN, must make available this Constitution for the inspection of the affiliate and the affiliate may make a copy of or take an extract from the Constitution but will have no right to remove it for that purpose; and
    6. maintain a record of –
       1. the names and residential or postal addresses and email addresses and phone numbers of the persons who hold the offices of IPAN provided for by this constitution, including all members of the Co-ordinating Committee (See Sections 35 – 45) or any Sub-Committee (See Section 102), and all persons who are authorised by the Co-ordinating Committee to use the common seal of IPAN under Sections 90-93; and
       2. the names and residential or postal addresses of any persons who are appointed or act as Trustees on behalf of IPAN (See Section 8), and
       3. the Secretary must, upon the request of a affiliate of IPAN, make available the record for the inspection of the affiliate and the affiliate may make a copy of or take an extract from the record but will have no right to remove the record for that purpose;
    7. unless the affiliates resolve otherwise at a general meeting, have custody of all books, documents, records and registers of IPAN, including those referred to in Section 48(c) and 48(d) but other than those required by Section 49 to be kept and maintained by, or in the custody of, the Treasurer; and
    8. perform such other duties as are imposed by this constitution on the Secretary.

Treasurer

49. The Treasurer must –
    1. be responsible for the receipt of all moneys paid to or received by, or by him or her on behalf of IPAN, and must issue receipts for those moneys in the name of IPAN;
    2. be responsible for the deposit of all moneys received into such account or accounts of IPAN as the Co-ordinating Committee may from time to time direct;
    3. be responsible for payments made from the funds of IPAN with the authority of a general meeting or of the Co-ordinating Committee;
    4. keep such accounting records as –
       1. correctly record and explain the financial transactions and financial position of IPAN;
       2. will enable true and fair accounts of IPAN to be prepared from time to time;
       3. will enable true and fair accounts of IPAN to be conveniently and properly audited; and
       4. submit to affiliates at each AGM accounts of IPAN showing the financial position of IPAN at the end of the immediately preceding financial year;
    5. whenever directed to do so by the Chairperson, submit to the Co-ordinating Committee a report, balance sheet or financial statement in accordance with that direction;
    6. organise for the auditing of the financial records as required by Associations Incorporation Act (1991);
    7. unless the affiliates resolve otherwise at a general meeting, have custody of all securities, books and documents of a financial nature and accounting records of IPAN, including those referred to in Rule 50(d) and
    8. perform such other duties as are imposed by these Rules on the Treasurer.

Co-ordinating Committee meetings

50. The Co-ordinating Committee may meet and conduct its proceedings, as it considers appropriate, provided that it meets at least once every two months.
51. The Co-ordinating Committee will, at the start of each meeting, decide the convenor and minute-taker for the following meeting
52. The Co-ordinating Committee may hold meetings, and shall arrange for a committee member to take part in meetings using any technology that reasonably allows all members present to hear and take part in the discussions, as they happen.
53. A notice of meeting shall be given in the manner determined by the Co-ordinating Committee appropriate to the realities of Section 50.
54. Questions arising and decisions taken at a Co-ordinating Committee meeting are usually to be dealt with by consensus (see also Section 75, below). Consensus means an answer or an outcome or a decision or a commitment etc. shared or agreed to by all Co-ordinating Committee members present at the meeting. When a consensus cannot be reached within a reasonable timeframe, it will be decided by a vote of members present, and if votes are equal, the question shall remain undecided until the next meeting.
55. When a vote is taken in accordance with Section 54, each Co-ordinating Committee member has one deliberative vote.
56. The Chairperson (or convenor) selected for the next meeting under Section 51 is responsible for circulating an agenda prior to the next meeting.
57. Affiliates wishing to raise a matter for consideration by the Co-ordinating Committee should do so through their state network or one of their state representatives.
58. Either state representative should contact the current Chairperson for the next meeting, if there is an item that a group in his/her state wishes the committee to consider and the Chairperson will place that item on the agenda.

Quorum for a Co-ordinating Committee Meeting

59. The quorum for the Co-ordinating Committee shall require a minimum of four members, representing a minimum of three state

Resolutions of Co-ordinating Committee Without Meeting

60. A written resolution circulated to all members and signed by a majority of the Co-ordinating Committee is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a committee meeting that was properly called and held.

Order of Business of Coordinating Committee meeting

61. Subject to this Constitution, the procedure and order of business to be followed at a Co-ordinating Committee meeting, must be determined by the Committee members present at that Committee meeting.

Pecuniary Interest

62. A Co-ordinating Committee member having any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract, or proposed contract, made by, or in the contemplation of, the Co-ordinating Committee, must –
    1. as soon as he or she becomes aware of that interest, disclose the nature and extent of their interest to the Co-ordinating Committee; and
    2. not take part in any deliberations or decision of the Co-ordinating Committee with respect to that contrac
    3. Section 62(a) does not apply with respect to a pecuniary interest that exists only by virtue of the fact that the member of the Co-ordinating Committee is an employee of IPAN.
    4. The Secretary must cause every disclosure made under Section 62(a) by a member of the Co- ordinating Committee to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the Committee at which it is made.

General Meeting types

63. There are 3 General Meeting types:
    1. General Meeting (hereafter referred to as “GM”)
    2. Annual General Meeting (hereafter referred to as “AGM”)
    3. Special General Meeting (hereafter referred to as “SGM”)
64. The Co-ordinating Committee –
    1. must convene an AGM within 12 months after the end of IPAN’s financial year, except for the first AGM which may be held at any time within 18 months after formation; and
    2. may convene a GM immediately before or after an AGM.
    3. may at any time convene a SGM;
    4. must, within 30 days of –
       1. the Secretary receiving a request in writing to do so from not less than 8 affiliates, from a minimum of three States, convene a SGM for the purpose specified in that request; or
       2. the Secretary receiving a notice under Section 32, convene a SGM to deal with the appeal to which that notice relates.
    5. must, after receiving a notice under Section 32, convene a GM or an SGM, no later than the next AGM, at which the appeal referred to in the notice will be dealt with. Failing that, the applicant is entitled to address IPAN at that next AGM in relation to the Co-ordinating Committee’s rejection of their application and IPAN at that meeting must confirm or set aside the decision of the Committee.

Notice of Special General Meeting (SGM)

65. Subject to Section 64, the Secretary must give to all affiliates and associates not less than 21 days notice of a SGM and that notice must specify –
    1. when and where the Special General Meeting concerned is to be held; and
    2. particulars of the business to be transacted at the general meeting concerned and of the order in which that business is to be transacte
    3. The form of technology to be used for the SCM. The SGM can be conducted using any form of technology deemed suitable to the purpose.

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)

66. Subject to Section 64(a), the Secretary must give to all affiliates and associates not less than 21 days notice of an AGM and that notice must specify –
    1. when and where the AGM is to be held;
    2. the agenda for the meeting

Special Resolution

67. A special resolution is required to amend this Constitution and must have the support of 75% of members voting at the meeting.
68. A special resolution may be moved either at a SGM or at an AGM, however the Secretary must give to all Affiliates and Associates not less than 21 days notice of the meeting at which a special resolution is to be proposed. In addition to those matters specified in Sections 65 or 66, as relevant, the notice must also include the resolution to be proposed and the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution.

General Meetings (GM)

69. The Co-ordinating Committee will decide on the date, time, venue (including the use of appropriate technology) for any general meeting of affiliates. The Secretary or person delegated by the Coordinating Committee will inform affiliates and associates of that date, time and venue (or technology) at least 21 days beforehand.
70. An agenda for any general meeting will be circulated to affiliates by the Secretary or their delegate at least 14 days before the general meeting.
71. Affiliates wishing to raise a matter at a general meeting must inform the Co-ordinating Committee of that matter before the agenda for the general meeting is settled e. within the first fortnight of the month preceding the meeting.
72. The Co-ordinating Committee will appoint a Chairperson and minute-taker for any general meeting.

Quorum for General Meetings

73. The quorum for any GM, AGM, SGM shall be at least one affiliate representative from at least 5 States or Territories, plus at least 6 other affiliate representatives.
74. If within 30 minutes after the time specified for the holding of a general meeting in a notice, a quorum is not present, the general meeting lapses.
75. Members of affiliates and associates are entitled and encouraged to attend and speak at general meetings, on the understanding that only affiliated groups have voting rights. Other interested individuals may attend meetings and speak if leave is granted by the meeting.

Voting at General Meetings

76. IPAN is committed to consensus-based decision-making. Wherever possible, we will work to develop consensus around proposals, exploring variations and alternatives that might achieve consensus, before resorting to voting.
77. At a General Meeting, each question, matter, or resolution that cannot pass on a test of consensus must be decided by a majority of votes of the affiliates present.
78. At general meetings, each affiliated group is entitled to one vote and will have one vote only.
79. An affiliate is not entitled to vote at a general meeting if the affiliate’s annual subscription is in arrears at the date of the meetin
80. Although ‘face-to-face’ meetings are preferred, if necessary, a general meeting can be conducted using technological means.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

81. The Annual General Meeting must be held each calendar year within twelve months after the end of the financial year (30 June).
82. The Co-ordinating Committee shall determine the method, place, date and time of the Annual General Meeting.
83. In addition to any other business that may be transacted at an Annual General Meeting, the business of an Annual General meeting is to:-
    1. Confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting, and any General Meeting held since that meeting.
    2. Receive from the Co-ordinating Committee reports on the activities and accounts of IPAN during the previous financial year (copies must be available for affiliates attending).
    3. Receive and adopt the audited financial statements of IPAN for the most recently ended financial year.
    4. Appoint an auditor for the current financial year.
    5. Make amendments to this constitution.
    6. Endorse recommendations for new memberships made by the Co-ordinating Committee.
    7. Conduct any other business referred from a General Meeting or Special General Meeting.

Amendments to this Constitution

84. Amendment of this Constitution is by Special Resolution only (See Section 67). These rules may not be altered except by a three-quarter majority of affiliates present, voting at a properly arranged AGM or a SGM convened for the purpose.

Minutes of General Meetings

85. The Secretary, appointed for the purpose by the Co-ordinating Committee, must ensure full and accurate minutes of questions, matters, and resolutions, are kept in a form readily accessible to affiliates.
86. To ensure minutes are recorded accurately they must be amended/confirmed at a subsequent meeting of its kind, as a true and correct record.

Common seal of IPAN

87. IPAN must have a common seal on which its corporate name appears in legible characters.
88. The common seal of IPAN must not be used without the express authority of the Co-ordinating Committee and every use of that common seal must be recorded in the minutes.
89. The affixing of the common seal of IPAN must be witnessed by any two of the Chairperson, the
    1. Secretary and the Treasurer who will sign as witness.
90. The common seal of IPAN must be kept in the custody of the Treasurer or of such other person as the Co-ordinating Committee from time to time decides

Funds & Accounts

91. The funds of IPAN must be kept in an account in its name, in a financial institution decided by the Co-ordinating Committee.
92. Records and accounts must be kept, showing full and accurate particulars of its financial transactions.
93. All amounts must be deposited in the financial institution as soon as practicable after receipt.
94. All payments by IPAN of $100.00 or more must be made by cheque or electronic transfer unless as otherwise authorised by a Coordinating Committee meeting.
95. Before any payment as per Rule 94 is made, a cheque requisition voucher, describing the payment and purpose of payment, must be signed by any 2 of 3 members of the Co-ordinating Committee, assigned authority from time to time to do so by that Committee, one of these, wherever possible, being the Treasurer. Alternatively, a payment may be authorised by a decision of the Co-ordinating Committee that has been recorded in the minutes.
96. All expenditure incurred must be authorised at a previous, or be ratified at the next, Co-ordinating Committee meeting.
97. The Treasurer, acting on behalf of the Co-ordinating Committee, must, as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year, prepare a financial statement for the previous reportable financial year.

IInspection of records, etc. of IPAN

98. An affiliate may at any reasonable time inspect without charge the books, documents, records and securities of IPAN.

Sub-Committees

99. The Co-ordinating Committee may appoint a Sub-Committee consisting of members of affiliated organisations/groups, registered associates, or others, as they see fit, to help with the conduct of IPAN’s operation
100. The role of the Sub-Committee is to provide useful, transparent, honest advice and/or practical assistance, under instruction from the Co-ordinating Committee.
101. Membership of a Sub-Committee does not carry with it any entitlement to attend or vote at an IPAN Co-ordinating Committee meeting.
102. Membership of a Sub-Committee carries with it associate rights described in Section 16-19 during the period of the Sub-Committee and at the AGM following wind up of the work of the Sub-Committee.
103. A Sub-Committee may elect a Chairperson of its meetings.
104. If a Chairperson is not elected, or if the Chairperson is not present within ten minutes after the time fixed for a meeting, the members present may choose one of their number to chair the meeting.
105. A Sub-Committee may meet and adjourn as it considers appropriate.
106. A Sub-Committee shall report as appropriate to the Co-ordinating Committee and is entitled to report on their activities at a general meeting of IPAN or at the next AGM, as appropriate.

Distribution of surplus property on winding up of IPAN

107. If upon the winding up or dissolution of IPAN there remains after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property whatsoever, the same must not be paid to or distributed among the affiliates, or former affiliates. The surplus property must be given or transferred to another organisation which has similar objects and which is not carried out for the purposes of profit or gain to its individual members, and which organisation shall be determined by resolution of the members.

State Networks

108. State Networks will have a number of roles and functions. In general they will further the aims and objectives of IPAN by:-
     1. determining the State’s or Territory’s 2 representatives on the Co-ordinating Committee;
     2. organising events and meeting;
     3. seeking potential, new affiliate groups within the State or Territory and making recommendations to the Co-ordinating Committee when such groups are identified;
     4. co-ordinating relevant activities within the State or Territory;
     5. sending agenda items, resolutions and suggestions to the Co-ordinating Committee.
109. To achieve these outcomes each Network should select a Convenor to call meetings of affiliates in the relevant State or Territory. The Convenor should ensure that proper records of State Network meetings are kept

NOTICE TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION (RULES) – Rules 65-68, 84

INDEPENDENT AND PEACEFUL AUSTRALIA NETWORK
is convening a Special General Meeting or Annual General Meeting at which the following
resolution/s will be proposed as special resolutions to alter the Rules of the Network.
The meeting will be held at ______a.m./p.m. on__________________
the _______________________201____.
The meeting will take place at_______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL RESOLUTION/S:

INFORMATION for MEMBERS

• Alterations to the Rules can only be made if supported by 75% of members voting at the SGM or AGM (Section 84).