Objects
Northside Community Voices Inc. operates as a community-democracy movement that communicates our community’s priorities or desired outcomes to our elected representatives at all levels of government, then holds them accountable. When required, we support independent candidates who align with our values, work towards achieving our outcomes and uphold integrity, transparency, and genuine representation. NCV is independent of all political parties, elected officials, and funding bodies. The objects of the association are:
- To create a non-partisan organisation for adult residents of the City of Moreton Bay and the entirety of any State electorates or Federal Divisions that lie mainly within that Local Government Area – our area / our community) with the ability to become actively involved (i.e. have a “Voice”) in the democratic processes and decision-making affecting their physical and natural environment and quality of life and that of future generations living in the area.
2. To support Members working to achieve positive and sustainable social, economic, environmental and governance changes for the benefit of our community.
Membership
The membership of the association consists of ordinary members and is limited to those residents of our area, 16 years of age or over, who register on the association’s website and confirm that they are willing to comply with the terms of the association’s Code of Conduct and agree that they have read the association’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service on the association’s website.
Members are entitled to record their priorities for outcomes they wish to see occur and have a say in the rating of their satisfaction with matters concerning the Northside community or environment. They may also vote on proceedings at association meetings.
Members will be able to choose to volunteer and participate in association communications and activities to the extent they see fit.
Model Rules
The Constitution of the association was based on the Model Rules published by the Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading to guide the operation and governance of Incorporated Associations. Major changes were made to the provisions dealing with traditional ways that people were nominated, seconded and approved for membership. Those old-fashioned procedures were all updated to allow NCV to allow people to join and participate online. Official communication was also changed from paper-based correspondence to email.
The vast majority of the Model Rule provisions dealing with administration, management, complaints, dispute resolution and appeals etc. was retained in its normal format, except where written notices were replaced by email correspondence.
Interested Parties (Friends)
A clause was added to make provision for residents aged under 16 and people living outside the NCV area to join with the status of an “Interested Party”. This would give them access to the access-restricted area of our website, but not allow them to define NCV priorities or vote in NCV meetings. It has since been decided to rename that status “Friends” of NCV and we will be amending the Constitution for this and a number of other minor changes after a motion to that effect has been passed at our next General Meeting.
Additional Rules
Eight additional rules were added to the end of the Constitution to covering various matters that were considered important. They are summarised below:
Shared values: all Members are expected to align with the NCV values as set out in the Code of Conduct and the Business Plan.
Respect and inclusivity: NCV operates on Aboriginal lands and in a spirit of reconciliation with First Nations peoples. Members will operate in accordance with the Code of Conduct and in an inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.
Communication Mode: NCV must act in a non-partisan manner for the purpose of working with elected representatives at local, state and federal level to achieve the desired outcomes of Members. To facilitate this the association is to operate in Communication mode following elections, collecting information from Members and our community, collating, researching and communicating that information about desired outcomes and levels of satisfaction (our voices) to the elected representatives.
Accountability Mode: when an election is called at any level, Communication mode activities must cease and NCV prepares a review of performance of the incumbent in an objective manner as possible (noting constraints where delivery of results may be limited by being in opposition or compliance with party voting discipline etc.). It also includes an assessment of the degree of alignment of all other candidates with NCV values and outcomes agenda. Accountability mode concludes with a decision whether to support the top ranked candidate or to identify and endorse a suitable person to stand as an independent candidate.
Campaign Mode: when nominations for candidates in an election close, NCV enters Campaign mode. If there is no NCV-endorsed independent candidate Members are encouraged to volunteer their services for the top-ranked candidate (most aligned with NCV values and agenda). To become a NCV-endorsed independent the candidate must form their own separate campaign entity, funding arrangements and adopt a platform consistent with NCV values and outcomes agenda. NCV will then assist by providing advice, volunteers and access to NCV campaign software platform.
Maintaining Financial Independence: NCV may seek and accept funding from Members or other persons or organisations that behave and operate in a manner that is compatible with our stated purpose and values. It may not accept funds or maintain relationships with parties that wish to place conditions or obligations on NCV in return for the provision of funds.
Maintaining Political Independence: NCV must maintain clear financial, legal and operational independence from any registered political body or campaign organization.
Planning: NCV will operate in accordance with the NCV Strategic and Business Plans.