Introduction
The SSAA ACT Inc. has undertaken a comprehensive review of its constitution to ensure it aligns with current legal requirements, best governance practices, and the needs of its members.
This draft incorporates updates following a legal review and feedback from Council meetings.
We invite all members to review and provide feedback.
Content on this Page
Documents
Ref | Document Name | Version | Date Published |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | President's Note ↗ | 1.0 | 19 April 2025 |
2 | SSAA ACT Inc. Proposed Constitution - For Members Discussion ↗ | 1.0 | 19 April 2025 |
3 | Defining Entities Discussion Paper ↗ | 1.0 | 19 April 2025 |
4 | SSAA ACT Inc. Constitution - Current ↗ | 2013 | 1 Oct 2021 |
Important Links
Key Changes and Updates
Objects of the Association
The constitution clarifies the core purpose of the SSAA ACT Inc. The Objects of the Association are proposed to be amended to be more closely aligned with what the Association does.
The Objects are proposed to be amended to also include the explicit requirements of managing the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex in line with the Associations lease provisions and firearms laws.
Membership Categories and Rights
Existing membership categories and rights and obligations remain.
To better ensure existing members rights are protected, the Association proposes to add membership categories to formalise existing arrangements with SSAA ACT Inc. Disciplines, Clubs and Sections. This new category of membership will ensure that the Association is able to meet its lease obligation to provide access to the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex to external shooting organisations under defined conditions.
This category of membership proposed is being called a Member Entity and is further described in the Defining Entity Discussion Paper.
In addition, the Association proposes conditions around affiliation agreements, non-member entities and other corporate entities (e.g.: external hire arrangements). These conditions are also being proposed to ensure existing members maintain the rights and privileges of membership.
With the ever-changing environment for shooting organisations and the potential for ranges within the Canberra region to be forced to close, the Association is futureproofing by providing provisions to capture all foreseeable possible scenarios.
The membership obligations are also outlined, including adherence to range and safety rules, and other policies agreed to align with the governance obligations of a sports shooting organisation in the ACT and with NSW approvals.
Governance and Decision-Making
Proposed changes to these sections are minimal. The changes proposed add further protection to the Association and all of its members, now and into the future.
To ensure that external organisations can not unduly influence decisions of the Associations, restrictions are proposed to restrict office holders of competing organisations from holding an office of the Association.
It is also proposed to require nominations for Executive Committee positions 14 days prior to an Annual General Meeting. Where there are no nominations for an Executive Committee position, nominations will not be taken from the floor and will instead be appointed by the Council on a casual basis.
Disciplinary Process and Dispute Resolution
These sections are required by the Associations Incorporation Act to be included in the Associations constitution and are new provisions for the Association.
These new provisions fulfill the requirements of the Act and outline:
- Misconduct procedures, including potential consequences for breaches of conduct or rules.
- A structured dispute resolution process, including mediation, council review and appeal rights.
Financial Management and Accountability
Amendments proposed to this section do not provide any new powers or make any changes to the way the Association conducts business. Instead, the proposed changes align the constitution with how financial management is being conducted since the introduction of internet banking and debit cards.
These changes will ensure that the Association and the Treasurer are compliant with the Associations rules for Financial Management, and the expectations of the Associations members.
Meetings and Voting
There are minimal changes to these sections from the current Constitution.
The changes made align better with an Association that has had considerable growth in membership numbers since 2013 when the current Constitution was adopted. Calling a Special General Meeting will now require support of 25 financial members.
The quorum for any General Meeting has also been amended to 50 financial members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Proposed SSAA ACT Constitution
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.
- Make provision for the SSAA ACT Inc. to 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 refer to as disciplines, clubs, or sections that operate under 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.
Importantly, this term ensures 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 Discussion Paper.
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 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 assigns voting rights 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?
- 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?
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?
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 Member Entity will continue to have a Delegate that is entitled to vote at the SSAA ACT Inc. Council meetings. The Member 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 access but no vote. | 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?
- Members have a Dispute Resolution Procedure outlined in Clause 14.
- Provides an appeal option 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.
- 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.
10. What happens if the SSAA ACT Inc. is ever wound up or dissolved?
If the SSAA ACT Inc. is wound up or dissolved the decisions are made by the Financial Members.
- If the Association is dissolved, the SSAA ACT Inc. 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 (Clause 16).
11. How can I provide feedback or ask questions?
Members are encouraged to:
- Read the proposed Constitution and associated documents in full.
- Attend the formal and informal SSAA ACT Inc. information sessions or meetings. These meetings will be held so that Members can inform themselves of the proposals, ask questions and discuss the changes with the SSAA ACT Inc. Executive Committee and Council.
- Complete the survey.
- Email the SSAA ACT Inc. with any specific concerns.
12. When and how will this Constitution be voted on?
Following the extensive member consultation process, SSAA ACT Inc. Financial Members will be asked to vote on the Constitution.
- The proposed Constitution will be presented at an upcoming Annual or Special General Meeting.
- No date has been determined yet.
- SSAA ACT Inc. will ensure that all Members are informed of the meeting, with more than the required notice being provided.
A Special Resolution (75% majority vote) is required to adopt the new Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Comparing the Old and New SSAA ACT Constitution
1. Why is the Constitution being updated?
The 2013 Constitution no longer aligns with:
- The Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), which has changed since 2013.
- Best practices in governance and transparency.
- The current structure and needs of SSAA ACT Inc.
The new 2025 Constitution modernises the rules to meet the legal, operational, and governance needs of a Firearms Club and Range.
2. What are the major differences between the old and new Constitutions?
The 2025 Constitution introduces several key changes:
Governance and Structure
| Old Constitution (2013) | New 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. |
| Allowed proxy voting at meetings. | No proxy voting, except where required by law, ensuring in-person accountability. |
| Falls silent on a number of 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) | New Constitution (2025) |
|---|---|
| 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 who 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. | 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. |
3. 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. The 2025 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.
Estimated Timeline
Member Feedback
The SSAA ACT Inc. is seeking member feedback on the proposed constitution before the final version is presented to the membership during a General Meeting.
Membership input is crucial to ensuring the Constitution reflects the needs of all of the SSAA ACT Inc. members, including the SSAA ACT Inc. disciplines, clubs and sections.
How to Participate
The SSAA ACT Inc. is asking members to review all the provided documentation that is available on the SSAA ACT Inc. website.
The SSAA ACT Inc. is also ensuring members have sufficient information to inform them of the proposed changes through town hall style meetings where overviews will be provided and members given the opportunity to openly ask questions and hear for themselves the intent and purpose of the changes.
Once members feel they are sufficiently informed, members can provide feedback either by email or completing the Member Feedback Survey. Feedback received at the Town Hall meetings will also be considered.
Member Consultation Town Hall Meetings
The SSAA ACT Inc. Council invites all members to attend a series of Town Hall meetings as part of the Member Consultation process on the proposed SSAA ACT Inc. Constitution.
These meetings offer an important opportunity to hear directly from the Council, ask questions, and provide feedback. There will be no voting at these meetings. The proposed Constitution will shape the governance and direction of our Association moving forward. Your input matters.
The lawyers who assisted in drafting the constitution will be in attendance to answer any legal-related questions from members.
Member Feedback Survey
Once members have reviewed all the documentation provided, the below link will take you to the survey where feedback can be provided on all of the proposed amendments.
