Introduction
In this episode we discuss common challenges with elections and offer practical solutions to them, including how a registered organisation can obtain an exemption to conduct their own elections.
Content
Elections are again underway, after they were suspended in 2020 due to safety concerns with COVID-19. Organisations interested in conducting their own elections (instead of using the Australian Electoral Commission, which is the default position under legislation) have approached us for guidance and we have assisted them to navigate the process.
Some organisations need to have elections as soon as possible to ensure they have enough elected officers to achieve a quorum for decision making, while others want greater control over the timing and conduct of their elections or want to change the method of their election. These are some of the election issues we've been helping organisations and branches to work through.
ROCpod was a monthly podcast created by the Registered Organisations Commission, which is now abolished. The obligations for registered organisations remain unchanged, with the functions transferred to the Fair Work Commission as the regulator from 6 March 2023. If you need further information please contact the Fair Work Commission on 1300 341 665 or email regorgs@fwc.gov.au.
Episode 19: Election exemptions – what they are and how do they work?
Content
Episode highlights
03:20 Impact of the suspension of elections for registered organisations
07:38 Running your own elections
10:30 Applying for an exemption
18:55 How long is an exemption valid?
23:20 Electronic elections
Disclaimer
ROCpod was the official podcast of the Registered Organisations Commission. It is copyright to the Commonwealth of Australia. The opinions expressed in ROCpod are the opinions of the particular speaker and not necessarily the opinions of the regulator.
This information is general and is not intended to be comprehensive, it is designed to assist in gaining an understanding of the relevant provisions of the legislation, the regulator and its work. The regulator is not able to provide legal or accounting advice.
For further information please see the registered organisations materials on our website or contact us at regorgs@fwc.gov.au.