The SSAA ACT Inc. Council has been working hard over the past years to review and draft a new constitution that provides the governing framework and rules for the Association.
This review process has also consisted of a comprehensive member feedback period. More information about the consultation, including summaries of the feedback received can be found via the links below.
We are now presenting the final version of the Proposed Constitution to members for a vote. We look forward to seeing all our members there.
Notice of Special General Meeting
In accordance with the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT) and the Constitution of SSAA ACT Inc., notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting to be held as follows:
- Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
- Time: commencing at 10:00am
- Location: Jim McKinley Range (Main Range), SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex, 50 Hector McIntosh Grove, Majura
Purpose of the Meeting
The purpose of this Special General Meeting is to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Special Resolution to amend the Constitution of SSAA ACT Inc. and adopt the Entity Policy.
Proposed Motion for Entity Policy
“That the SSAA ACT Inc. adopt the Entity Policy as set out in the document titled “Entity Policy”, circulated with this notice.”
Proposed Special Resolution for Constitution
“That the Constitution of SSAA ACT Inc. be amended as set out in the document titled “Proposed Constitution”, circulated with this notice, and that such amendments take effect upon lodgement with the ACT Registrar-General.”
Explanatory Notes of Entity Policy
A copy of the Entity Policy is attached to this notice.
This Policy has been drafted by the SSAA ACT Inc. Council and is a result of the review during the member consultation process on the constitution and the Member Entity Discussion Paper.
The presented policy incorporates the feedback received by members and supports the provisions of the proposed constitution relating to membership of entities, including Members’ Entities, Associate Entities and Range Hire.
Explanatory Notes for Constitution
A copy of the proposed constitution is attached to this notice and available on request from the Secretary.
The amendments are intended to formalise the existing arrangements, obligations and responsibilities of the Association and its Clubs, Sections and Disciplines. It also ensures that the Association is compliant with the Associations Incorporation Act and Regulations, and provides for the framework for member protection, including dispute resolution, disciplinary procedures and appeals processes. It also aligns the Association with best-practice for financial and records management and ensures that the Association’s constitution is inline with the current practices of the Association.
Under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), a Special Resolution requires approval by at least 75% of members present and voting at the meeting.
Voting and Attendance
- All SSAA ACT Inc. financial members are entitled to attend and vote.
- Members are required to register their attendance to receive a ballot pack. Registration will close when the meeting is declared open.
- Proxy voting is not permitted.
- Quorum requirements as set out in the Constitution will apply.
Important Documents
Ref | Document Name | Version | Date Published |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2025 SGM Agenda ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
2 | Special Resolution for Constitution Amendment ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
3 | Proposed Constitution ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
4 | Note from SSAA ACT Inc. President ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
5 | Mediation Outcomes Statement ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
6 | Entity Policy ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
7 | Constitution Consultation Web Page ↗ | - | - |
8 | What We Heard Report ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
9 | What We Heard Report - Appendix 1 - Survey Responses ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
10 | What We Heard Report - Appendix 2 - Town Hall Meeting Summary ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
11 | What We Heard Report - Appendix 2 - Member Notifications ↗ | 1 | 1 November 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is a new Constitution being proposed?
The Constitution is being updated to:
- Align with current legal requirements under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT).
- Improve governance, transparency, and decision-making within SSAA ACT Inc.
- Clarify membership rights, responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures.
- Ensure the effective management of the Association’s range, finances, and activities.
The current SSAA ACT Inc Constitution already makes provision for members to form Sections, Disciplines and Clubs (including separately incorporated clubs) for the purpose of conducting specific competitions and activities. The proposed new constitution formalises existing arrangements to make provision for the Association to formally define, recognise and distinguish between those entities that are part of the SSAA ACT Inc., those that are not, and those with which the SSAA ACT Inc. has formalised an Affiliation Agreement.
2. What is a Member Entity?
The term Member Entity describes what we currently refer to as disciplines, clubs, or sections that operate as part of SSAA ACT Inc.
This is not a new concept – it’s simply a clearer, legally consistent term that aligns with our lease obligations and helps distinguish between different types of entities using the range.
Member Entities will continue to enjoy the benefits of being part of the Association, with the rights and privileges for Member Entities being consistently and equitably applied across the Association.
Under our existing range lease with the ACT Government, we are required to “… make available shooting facilities for all bona fide shooting associations and/or individual shooters subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Lessee relating to sub-leasing tenancy and membership.” A key reason for formalising Member Entities under the proposed new constitution is to ensure that the rights and privileges of our own Members, Sections, Disciplines and Clubs are prioritised, protected and promoted over those of individuals and entities that are not part of our Association. This will become increasingly important as demand for ranges grows and more people and other entities seek to access and utilise the ranges and facilities we have developed on the SSAA ACT Inc Range Complex.
Importantly, this means that existing clubs, disciplines, and sections maintain their current privileges, while any new groups formed in future will be fully informed from the outset about what’s expected and what support is provided.
For more detailed information, refer to Clause 4.5 of the draft Constitution and the proposed Members Entity Policy.
3. What are the key changes in this proposed Constitution?
Some of the most notable changes include:
Council Structure Updates: Clarification on roles of Executive Committee and Delegates, however there are no changes to the structure or the Member representation.
Membership & Voting: Only Current Financial Members of SSAA ACT Inc can vote at General Meetings; Associate Members can access the range but do not have voting rights. Formally introduces Associate Members, Member Entities, and Affiliated Clubs, and formally assigns voting rights consistent with those that currently are in practice.
Disciplinary Procedures: Introduces a structured misconduct and appeals process that is fit for purpose.
Affiliation Agreements: Clear guidelines for relationships with affiliated clubs.
Financial Management: Aligns the Constitution with current best practice and ensures that the SSAA ACT Inc. can continue to operate in the current environment.
Decision-Making: More streamlined hierarchy of governance, giving clear authority levels to all Members.
4. How will this affect my membership?
Short Answer – It Won’t.
If you are a Financial Member of SSAA ACT Inc., your rights will remain unaffected.
Associate Members (members of SSAA from other states/territories) can still use the range at discounted rates but do not have voting rights – this is unchanged.
The updated Constitution ensures greater accountability and fairness in how the Association is run and prioritises equity for all SSAA ACT Inc. Members.
5. Will I still be able to access the range under this new Constitution?
Short Answer – Yes.
All Financial Members and Associate Members can continue to access the range as per the Association Rules and Range Rules.
Current SSAA ACT Inc. Disciplines, Clubs and Sections will continue with current arrangements where their membership agrees to transition into the new membership categories of Members’ Entity or Affiliated Club.
6. Who can vote under the new Constitution?
Short Answer – Everyone who can vote now.
Current Financial Members will continue to have the same voting rights at Annual General Meetings, General Meetings or Special General Meetings.
SSAA ACT Inc. Disciplines, Clubs or Sections whose membership agree to transition to a Members’ Entity will continue to have a Delegate that is entitled to vote at the SSAA ACT Inc. Council meetings. The Members’ Entity will not have a vote at any General Meeting. This remains unchanged.
Affiliated Clubs will not have a vote at the SSAA ACT Inc. Council – this also has not changed.
7. How will these changes affect me as a member?
| What's Changing? | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Financial Members retain full rights. | As SSAA ACT Inc. (A01) Financial Members, nothing changes. |
| Associate Members have discounted access to ranges and facilities but no vote at General Meetings. | If you are an Associate Member (from another SSAA branch), you can still use the range but cannot vote at meetings. Note: This provision has been added to the draft new constitution for clarity because it is not specified in the current constitution. It is not a change to existing policy, procedure or practice. |
| A structured dispute resolution process. | You now have a formal path to appeal decisions or resolve disputes fairly. |
| More accountability in decision-making. | Documents the governance structure in the SSAA ACT Inc. Constitution and ensures transparency and fairness in how SSAA ACT is run. |
| For SSAA ACT Inc. Disciplines, Clubs or Sections | Current SSAA ACT Inc. Disciplines, Clubs and Sections can transition to become a Members’ Entity if their membership agrees. They can also transition to become an Affiliated Club, if they wish |
8. What happens if I disagree with a decision made by the SSAA ACT Inc. Council?
The proposed new Constitution provides a comprehensive Dispute Resolution Procedure for Members, outlined in Clause 14.
Clause 15 of the proposed new constitution provides an appeals process if there is disciplinary action taken, where the decision can be appealed at a Special General Meeting (Clause 15).
The SSAA ACT Inc. Council must follow fair and transparent documented procedures before making disciplinary decisions.
9. How does this impact affiliated clubs?
The proposed Constitution formalises existing requirements and provides that:
- Affiliated clubs do not have individual voting rights at General Meetings.
- Affiliated clubs must hold appropriate insurances and follow SSAA ACT Inc. policies, including range and safety rules.
- Affiliation Agreements must be approved by the SSAA ACT Inc. Council.
These provisions have not changed from what is in place currently. The proposed new constitution simply formalises the existing arrangements and documents the process to affiliate for clarity and consistency.
10. What happens if the SSAA ACT Inc. is ever wound up or dissolved?
If the Association is wound up or dissolved, the decisions are made by the SSAA ACT Inc. Financial Members who are current at the time.
If the Association is dissolved, the SSAA ACT Inc. Current Financial Members will be asked to determine a suitable organisation to vest the Members assets.
Members are not personally liable for any debts beyond unpaid fees due to the Association and the return of any retained assets belonging to the Association (Clauses 4.6 and 16).
11. What are the major differences between the old and new Constitutions?
The Proposed Constitution introduces several key changes:
SGM Governance and Structure
| Old Constitution (2013) | Proposed Constitution (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governance structure was less defined, leading to unclear decision-making authority. | Clearly defines roles and responsibilities for the Executive Committee, Council, and Members’ Delegates. |
| Limited processes for decision-making. | Provides the Members with clearly defined and described requirements for the decisions relating to their membership and funds. |
| Did not allow proxy voting at meetings. | No proxy voting, except where required by law, ensuring in-person representation and accountability. |
| Falls silent on several key legislative and administrative requirements. | Ensures that the Constitution provides for all requirements of the various Acts, and incorporates various decisions made over the years for the management of the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex. |
Membership and Voting Rights
| Old Constitution (2013) | Proposed Constitution (2025) |
|---|---|
| Does not formally define, recognise or distinguish between entities that are part of the Association, entities that are not, and entities with which the Association has negotiated an Affiliation Agreement. | Formally defines, recognises and distinguishes between entities that are part of the Association, entities that are not, and entities with which the Association has negotiated an Affiliation Agreement. Prioritises, protects and promotes the rights and privileges of our own Members, Sections, Disciplines and Clubs over those of individuals and entities that are not part of our Association. |
| Does not provide for Associate Members or for Affiliated Clubs/Members. | Provides clarity to the Financial Members about how the SSAA ACT Inc. will differentiate between SSAA ACT Inc. members and members of other SSAA States and Territories, and other non-SSAA Shooting Organisations. |
| Affiliated Clubs had unclear voting rights. | Provides clarity to members about how the SSAA ACT Inc. will affiliate with other shooting organisations and what those members rights and obligations will be on the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex. |
Dispute Resolution and Member Discipline
| Old Constitution (2013) | New Constitution (2025) |
|---|---|
| No clear disciplinary process for misconduct. | Defined disciplinary procedures including Misconduct Notices, Council hearings, and an appeals process. |
| No structured dispute resolution. | A formal dispute resolution process with mediation and appeals options. |
Note: disciplinary processes are required by the Associations Incorporation Act. The provisions of the Model Rules to don’t meet the SSAA ACT Inc. requirements for these processes.
Financial and Range Management
| Old Constitution (2013) | New Constitution (2025) |
|---|---|
| Financial management rules were less structured. Mandates the exclusive use of cheques for financial transactions. | Ensures that the SSAA ACT Inc. can continue to manage the Association and the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex in an appropriate manner, while also ensuring that the SSAA ACT Inc. Council is able to be flexible in the event significant changes to laws or regulations occur. |
| Unclear processes for range use and fees. | Provides provisions for range access and use for shooting organisations while prioritising Members over outside organisations. |
12. How do these changes relate to updates in ACT Association Rules?
The Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT) was updated in recent years, affecting all incorporated associations. This Proposed Constitution aligns with these changes, including:
- Stronger governance requirements, such as defined officer duties.
- Increased financial transparency, including reporting obligations.
- More detailed disciplinary procedures to protect members’ rights.
- Rules on general meetings, voting, and decision-making.
By updating the Constitution, SSAA ACT Inc. ensures compliance with current laws and best practices.
What's Next:
After this Special General Meeting, there will be a break for lunch. The Association is hosting a wood-fired pizza lunch for all members who want to attend.
We are asking members to RSVP to ensure catering requirements. If you want to attend, please register here.
Other Meeting Information
Please follow the below links for all of the information relevant to each meeting: