Motion 1: AGM Reports. Requires a simple majority to pass

Proposer: Nigel Catling

This AGM notes that at present only members attending the AGM receive written reports from the officers as per rule 5.8.1. and 5.8.2 including financial reports.

These reports along with the agenda should provide a comprehensive overview of Republic’s annual performance, including financial statements and reports from the officers so it is important that all members have the chance to see these.

The situation at present excludes members who are unable to attend the AGM from receiving this information, and also does not give sufficient time for those who do attend to ask informed questions review the resolutions, understand arguments for and against them, and prepare their votes, ensuring a more informed and transparent decision-making AGM.

Therefore, this AGM instructs the Executive Committee (EC) that for the 2026 AGM and future AGMs all reports should be e-mailed to all current members, no later than 14 days before the AGM is held, as this would allow members attending the AGM so as to allow members attending the AGM time to read and understand the reports and to be able to raise better informed questions than is possible at the moment, this change would improve transparency and accountability for all members.

An amendment is proposed by the Board: 'Delete the words no later than 14 days'.

Recommendation from the Board.

The Board recommends that members vote in FAVOUR of the amendment and then in FAVOUR of the motion.

The Board notes that motions are routinely advertised prior to AGMs but recognises the need to ensure written reports are circulated to the membership prior to the date of the AGM. The Board supports this motion with a proposed amendment to remove the stipulated 14 days so as to allow flexibility in light of the significant demands on staff time.

Motion 2: Threshold for changing the constitution of Republic Campaign Association. Requires a two thirds majority to pass

Proposer: Nigel Catling

To ensure that Republic is operating in the true spirit of democracy, arbitrary barriers should not be in place to prevent necessary amendments to the constitution been made, therefore rule 12 should be amended as follows:

Delete the words “two thirds majority” and replace with “simple majority”

To prevent the possibility of people joining Republic purely to try to introduce disruptive changes, only members who have been members for at least 12 months prior to the AGM would be entitled to vote on this motion.

This AGM instructs the Executive Committee (EC) to implement this motion as soon as possible.

Recommendation from the Board.

The Board recommends that members vote AGAINST this motion. A two-thirds threshold (rather than a simple majority) is standard for amending the constitution of an unincorporated association.

The Board believes changing the threshold would put Republic at considerable risk. There are few barriers to entry to the membership or the AGM, so the two thirds threshold is there to guard against entryism or disruption. Were the threshold a simple majority our opponents or detractors, or people who wish to usurp the organisation for some other purpose, would find it fairly easy to re-write the constitution, including the organisation’s mission.

The constitution has been changed before when the membership has deemed the proposal to be necessary. So the existing two thirds threshold is not so onerous as to stop changes being made.

Motion 3: Eligibility to serve on the Board

Proposer: Ken Powell, on behalf of the Board

That the AGM approve the amendment of the Articles of Association of Republic Campaign Ltd to insert a new clause:

3.6  A person is ineligible for membership of the Board of directors:
    3.6.1 unless they have been a member of Republic Campaign Association continuously for the past one year and one month.
       3.6.1.1 but this Article does not apply if the person is recruited through an advertised co-option process and has been a member for at least one month and one day.
    3.6.2 if they have served as and ceased to be a director within the preceding 24 months.

Amendment proposed by Chris Murgatroyd: "that the words "3.6.2 if they have served as and ceased to be a director within the preceding 24 months" be deleted".

Amendment proposed by Jamie Tune-Holmes: “Except that this provision shall not apply to any person who self-nominated under the rules in force at the time prior to 5pm on Monday 22 Sept 2025”.

Recommendation from the Board

The Board recommends that members vote AGAINST both amendments and in FAVOUR of the motion.

The Board has been conducting a governance review and has identified areas of risk to the integrity and stability of the Board and organisation. There are few barriers to entry to the membership or Board and this creates a risk of disruption and entryism. The Board wishes to ensure that opportunities to join the Board remain open to the membership but that certain safeguards are in place to ensure that decisions to join or leave the Board are taken seriously. The Board is keen to ensure that opportunities are reserved for those who have shown some commitment to being a member of the organisation, while leaving the option open to co-opt directors should certain skills and experience be sought after.