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Comparison of IASAQ Constitutions

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Comparison of IASAQ Constitutions (2020 vs 2025 Draft)

This is a structured comparison between the IASAQ Constitution amended in August 2020 and the Draft Constitution prepared for the AGM 2025. It highlights key differences in objectives, membership, governance, financial provisions, and compliance clauses.

Objectives / Objects

    • 2020: Detailed welfare objectives listing vulnerable groups (bereaved, hospitalised, elderly, homeless, migrants, mentally ill, substance abuse, detention, etc.).
    • 2025: Broader objectives focused on Irish and Irish-Australian community, culture, welfare, advocacy, collaboration, and not-for-profit operation.

Membership Classes

    • 2020: Five classes (Ordinary, Foundation, Corporate, Lifetime, Associate). Associate had restricted rights.
    • 2025: Only Ordinary and Life Members; unlimited numbers.

Membership Fees

    • 2020: Fixed fees ($10 Ordinary, $100 Foundation, $1000 Corporate).
    • 2025: Fees decided by members at a general meeting.

Governance Structure

    • 2020: Committee included under-treasurer and under-secretary; term limits (max six years).
    • 2025: Simplified roles (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary, up to six others); no term limits.

Proxies

    • 2020: Proxy voting allowed with detailed forms.
    • 2025: Proxy voting clause present (Model Rules default forms).

By Laws

    • 2020: Committee could make, amend, repeal by-laws.
    • 2025: As above

Financial Provisions

    • 2020: Included credit card policy, non-refundable donations clause, common seal requirement.
    • 2025: No common seal; simplified financial rules.

Winding-Up / DGR Clause

    • 2020: Single clause combining winding-up and DGR revocation.
    • 2025: Separate detailed clauses for surplus assets, DGR winding-up, and revocation compliance.

Grievance Procedure

    • 2020: No formal grievance procedure section.
    • 2025: Comprehensive grievance and mediation process included.

Other Notable Changes

    • 2020: Automatic membership for unincorporated association members; common seal requirement.
    • 2025: Removed transitional clause and common seal requirement.

Area 2020 Constitution 2025 Constitution
Objectives Detailed welfare list Broad cultural & support focus
Membership Classes 5 types incl. Associate, Corporate. Only Ordinary & Life
Fees Fixed amounts listed Decided at AGM
Committee Structure Includes under-secretary roles, term cap Simplified roles, no term cap
Proxies Allowed Present but should be removed
By-Laws Allowed Present but should be removed
Financial Rules No common seal No common seal
Winding-up Single clause Detailed DGR & surplus asset clauses
Grievance Process Not included Included


Conclusion: The 2025 Draft Constitution modernizes governance and compliance.