The National Servicemen's Association of Australia Inc Minutes
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Tuesday, 19 March The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Inc 2019 General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held in Sydney, NSW General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held Tuesday, 19 March 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. OPENING OF MEETING ................................................................................................................ 3 2. OBSERVANCE ............................................................................................................................... 3 3. ATTENDANCE .............................................................................................................................. 3 4. GUEST SPEAKERS ......................................................................................................................... 3 5. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 2018 ..................................... 4 6. ACCEPTANCE OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS FROM EXECUTIVE MEETING ................................ 4 7. CORRESPONDENCE ..................................................................................................................... 6 8. REPORTS ...................................................................................................................................... 6 9. NOTICES OF MOTION ................................................................................................................ 10 10. GENERAL BUSINESS ................................................................................................................... 10 11. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING ....................................................................... 11 Page 2 of 11 General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held Tuesday, 19 March 2019 1. OPENING OF MEETING 1.1 The National President and Chairman, Earle Jennings, opened the meeting, welcomed members and guest BRIG. Ray McCann AM OBE. He acknowledged the awarding of OAM to Bob McIvor (VIC) and extended congratulations. 2. OBSERVANCE 2.1 The Vice President, Ron Brandy, delivered the Ode of Remembrance followed by one minute’s silence. 3. ATTENDANCE 3.1 The Secretary reported 18 present as per register. 3.1.1 Apologies: Mr Allen Callaghan; Mr Barry Presgrave; Mr Ron Strachan; Mr Des Casey; and Mr Stuart Fairbairn 3.1.2 Proxies: The Secretary tabled proxy for WA – Mr John Thorne for Mr Barry Presgrave. 3.1.3 Motion: That apologies and proxy appointments be accepted. Moved: B McIvor (VIC) Seconded: J Faunt (ACT) Motion Carried. 4. GUEST SPEAKERS 4.1 The Chairman introduced BRIG Ray McCann AM OBR (Rtd). Mr McCann addressed members and covered a range of topics which included: i. Military background and New Guinea experience; ii. Contact with Second Era National Servicemen; iii. Problems facing all ex-Service organisations; iv. Supporting and adjusting to an ageing membership; v. Overview of the NSW RSL situation with advice that we should not be spooked by their circumstance; vi. NSAA Branches preparing for the future, and vii. Suggestion DVA could do more to assist the administration of ex-Service organisations. Page 3 of 11 General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held Tuesday, 19 March 2019 4.2 The Vice President, Ron Brandy, delivered a vote of thanks to BRIG McCann and acknowledged and endorsed some of the points made. President Earle Jennings presented a memento and expressed appreciation for his presentation. 5. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 2018 5.1 No amendments requested. 5.2 Motion: That the minutes of the meeting held Thursday, 6 September 2018 as circulated and amended be taken as read and accepted. Moved: T Stevenson (QLD) Seconded: J Thorne (SA) Motion Carried. 5.3 Matters Arising 5.3.1 Item 6.2.2 – National Sub-Branch email list. Proving difficult task with continued changes and constant monitoring. Work in progress. 5.3.2 Item 6.2.4 – NSW RSL President. The Secretary advised due to ongoing problems with State RSL Branch, it was considered not appropriate he be at this meeting. The matter of a one on one meeting with Earle Jennings is still open. 5.3.3 Item 6.2.6 – ESO’s Speak with One Voice. This was concept of previous Minister. Follow up with current Minister to wait pending the upcoming election. The Chairman advised of quick meeting with current Minister in Brisbane without result. 5.3.4 Item 10.1 – National Service Rose. Mr Thorne (SA) reported that his follow up and investigation had shown high demand and limited stock from supplier. He was told more stock will be available later this year. Will follow up National distribution network list. 6. ACCEPTANCE OF RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS FROM EXECUTIVE MEETING 6.1 Motion: That the record of proceedings from the Executive Meeting held 22 February 2019 as circulated be taken as read and accepted. Moved: B McIvor (VIC) Seconded: J Thorne (SA) Motion Carried Page 4 of 11 General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held Tuesday, 19 March 2019 6.2 Matters Arising 6.2.1 Item 3.3.1 – Military Shop Payment. The Chairman confirmed NSAA had received payment. Discussion re. payment details and purchases from Military Shop. 6.2.2 Item 3.3.2 – President’s Bulletin. The Secretary advised bulletin had been sent to States however concern was expressed that feedback from some Sub-Branches indicate that now all are getting National information. The Chairman requested that Sub-Branches are provided with a copy. 6.2.3 Item 4.1.2 – ACNC Presentation. Discussion required re. suggestion that constitutions be amended to allow for external appointments for some Executive positions. The Chairman asked that members consider this matter. 6.2.4 Item 4.1.3 – Closure of Court Case. The background was explained to members and the Chairman spoke of his attempts to obtain information from the Court without success. He advised he would continue to pursue the matter. 6.2.5 Item 4.1.4 – VITA Insurance. The Chairman explained reason for insurance payment and expressed doubt about need. The Treasurer informed that last payment cheque had not been presented. Request for States to advise if they have trained Welfare advocates. Members advised TIP trained advocates not recognised after June 2019. Discussion re. trained advocates. 6.2.5.1 Motion: That the VITA programme not be renewed. Current payment to be processed with no further payments to follow. Moved: J Faunt (ACT) Seconded: B Sonter (TAS) Motion Carried 6.2.6 Item 4.1.5 – NASHO Widows Legacy contact. The Chairman confirmed his contact with Legacy as per Executive Minutes and requested NSW Branch to advise the Sub-Branch who submitted the original motion. 6.2.7 Item 5.1.1 – Eligible NASHOs for Republic of Vietnam Medal. The Chairman spoke of his involvement and gave details of two tribunal hearings with no positive result and advised he would continue to pursue the matter. 6.2.8 Item 5.2.1.1 – Correspondence from Brad Bauer. The Secretary provided information re. Mr Bauer’s attempt to have Vietnam Veterans’ Day gazetted as a National day. The Chairman sought members’ attitude re. support for proposal. Following lengthy discussion and debate on gazetted and non-gazetted days. It was felt the proposal was not warranted. 6.2.8.1 Motion: That this Council could not support that Vietnam Veterans’ Day be gazetted. Moved: N Mallard (NSW) Seconded: B Sonter (TAS) Motion Carried. 6.2.9 Item 6.1 – Grant in Aid 2019. The Secretary advised of new format and timing for application of Grant which indicates approval and payment not until October. This would create a funding problem for meeting and conference in September. QLD member offered to assist. Page 5 of 11 General Meeting of the National Council Minutes held Tuesday, 19 March 2019 6.2.10 Item 6.2 – Subsidy to States. The Chairman confirmed subject to grant approval. Subsidy will be as in 2018. The Secretary advised that amounts of airfares claimed do not relate to application and quotes. Discussion agreed that the Secretary provide copies of quotes and claimants keep expenditure as close as possible to those amounts. 6.2.11 Item 6.10 – Tenth Anniversary Canberra Memorial. The Secretary outlined proposed programme for AWM service and associated activities for September 2020. The Chairman requested States organise member attendance. The Secretary to commence discussions with AWM. Suggested organising committee includes ACT members. Formulate plan and time lines. It was pointed out that this is an event for ALL NASHOS, not just Association members. Following discussion, it was agreed the Council meeting should take place on Monday, 7 September 2020 and the Reunion Commemorative activity be Tuesday, 8 September 2020. 6.2.11.1 Motion: That the commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of the National Service Memorial be held in Canberra on Tuesday, 8 September 2020. Moved: N Pulford (TAS) Seconded: B Connelly (VIC) Motion Carried. 7. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Members circulated with a copy of the correspondence register for the period. The Secretary highlighted the following items: i. From Mercure Hotel – Costs for Sydney venue; ii. From VITA – Details and account for insurance; iii. From Allen Callaghan – Speaker acceptance to attend September meeting; and iv. From J Smorgon – Profile and non-acceptance to attend September meeting. 7.2 No matters arising from correspondence. 8. REPORTS Note: Executive Reports to be presented at following AGM. 8.1 Queensland 8.1.1 Presented by Neal Freier. Copies issued and the following points emphasised. i. Membership remains stable; ii. White cards issued to significant number of members; iii.