Nominations are open as of Friday 22 July for the following positions on the AEU NT Branch Executive:
- Branch President
- Branch Secretary
- Vice-President (General)
- Vice-President (TAFE)
- Treasurer
- Women’s Officer
- Indigenous Officer
The term of office for all positions commences in January 2017 for a period of two years, with the exception of the Branch Secretary, whose term is three years. All positions are elected by the Branch membership, with the exception of the Vice-President positions, which are elected by members of the General Division and the TAFE Division respectively.
The Branch Executive is the AEU NT’s governing body when the annual Branch Conference is not in session. It meets at least six times per year and manages the union’s finances, endorses policies and actions, and guides the actions of the union between Conferences. All members of Branch Executive serve on an honorary (unpaid) basis, with the exception of the President and Secretary, who are granted leave without pay from the employer to work full-time for the AEU, based in the union’s Darwin office. Release from duties is arranged for Executive members to attend meeting and carry out their roles.
Nominations for all positions close at 5pm on Monday 22 August. Nominees must fill out the attached form endorsed by at least two financial members and lodge the form via email, fax, post or in person to the AEC. If required, a postal ballot will be conducted, opening on Wednesday 14 September and closing at 5pm on Monday 17 October.
Role descriptions for each position are provided below. If you would like additional information, contact our office on 08 8948 5399 or [email protected].
ROLE DESCRIPTIONS
Branch President
The Branch rules state that, “The Branch President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Branch and shall convene ordinary meetings of Conference and Branch Executive. He/she shall preside at all meetings of Conference and Branch Executive, superintend the discussion of questions tabled for consideration, preserve order so that business may be conducted in due form and with propriety and upon the minutes being confirmed, shall sign them.”
By convention, the Branch President is a full-time officer who along with the Branch Secretary manages the day-to-day affairs of the union and acts as its chief spokesperson.
This is a wide-ranging role that involves travelling to all parts of the Territory to meet with members, politicians, government officials and others. The President acts an advocate for the interests of the union as a whole, as well as handling matters concerning individual members. The President is typically a member of the AEU’s Federal Executive, which meets at least four times a year to co-ordinate the union’s activities at a national level.
Branch Secretary
By convention, the Branch Secretary is a full-time officer who along with the Branch President manages the day-to-day affairs of the union and acts as its chief spokesperson.
This is a wide-ranging role that involves travelling to all parts of the Territory to meet with members, politicians, government officials and others. The Secretary acts an advocate for the interests of the union as a whole, as well as handling matters concerning individual members.
Among other things, the Secretary typically manages the Branch’s office, including its finances (in conjunction with the Treasurer), approves membership applications and resignations, maintains records as appropriate, organises meetings of Branch Executive and Branch Conference, is the signatory to industrial agreements such as Enterprise Agreements, and co-ordinates the provision of legal assistance to members.
Vice President (General) and Vice-President (TAFE)
The Branch rules state that, “The duties of the Vice-President (General) and the Vice-President (TAFE) shall be to assist the Branch President at all meetings of Branch Conference and the Branch Executive and in the absence of the President, the Vice-President (General) or the Vice-President (TAFE) shall occupy the chair and conduct the business and perform all the duties of the Branch President.”
By convention, the Vice-Presidents act as additional spokespersons for the Branch who assist the President and Secretary as required.
Treasurer
The Branch rules state that, “The Treasurer shall:
(a) ensure that a detailed account of all money transactions is maintained, have charge and custody of all monies belonging to the Branch, and ensure that all monies received are promptly deposited to the credit of the Branch’s bank account;
(b) attend all meetings of Branch Conference and the Branch Executive and be prepared at all times when required by Conference or the Branch Executive to give a statement of the Branch’s current account; and
(c) oversee all payments on behalf of and receive all moneys due and owing to the Branch.”
As the Treasurer is an honorary position, his or her duties are typically carried out in conjunction with the Branch Secretary and the union’s staff. Per AEU policy, the Treasurer is the chair of the Executive Finance Committee and assists with the preparation of the union’s annual budget.
Women’s Officer
The Branch rules state that, “The Women’s Officer shall:
(a) monitor and promote policies which have specific relevance to women and girls;
(b) liaise with relevant groups both within and outside the Union;
(c) provide advice on women’s issues; and
(d) carry out such other duties as may be determined by Branch Conference or the Branch Executive.”
The Women’s Officer must be a female but may be nominated by any financial member and is elected by all members of the Branch. She will typically attend national meetings at least twice a year to co-ordinate the union’s policies and actions on issues affecting women.
Indigenous Officer
The Indigenous Officer represents Indigenous teachers and education workers and must be an Indigenous person. The Indigenous Officer is elected by all members of the Branch. The officer may convene meetings and teleconferences with women members as required.
The Indigenous Officer typically attends national meetings at least twice a year to co-ordinate the union’s policies and actions on issues affecting Indigenous people. The officer may convene meetings and teleconferences with Indigenous members as required.