The chairs of Australia’s two largest ACS branches have called for members to support the change in governance structure.

ACS NSW chair Andrew Crawford and ACS Victoria chair Maria Markman believe the change from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee will move ACS into the modern era.

“The current governance structure was updated many years ago, however, ACS has advanced since then,” said Markman who has been volunteering with ACS for the last five years and is also a member of the ACS Management Committee and Congress.

“For ACS to be more relevant, agile and efficient it needs to evolve as an organisation even more. The proposed governance changes will certainly remove ambiguity and complexity in many areas.”

ACS Victoria chair Maria Markman.

Crawford, who has served on the NSW Branch Executive Committee and is currently a member of the Management Committee, says the changes would see the ACS rules, committees and legal status updated, while ACS remains a not-for-profit member-based organisation.

“The current three-tier governance structure would be simplified to a two-tier structure comprising a board and state-based divisional committees,” Crawford said.

“The structure, together with new rules around tenure, will provide more flexibility and clarity for members to participate at the governance level.

“This is especially important for professional organisations that want to be truly national and deliver excellence in knowledge and improve our national influence.”

Markman added that there would be an added benefit for members.

“Proposed changes will allow members of the Professional Division, who wish to serve on the national board, to be elected directly.

“With the current model, one has to be elected to a Branch Executive Committee first, then Congress, then Management Committee.

“The whole process takes years, which deprives ACS from attracting and accessing the best talent possible.

“With this change, ACS members will be able to elect the members of the national board, which will encourage directors to act ethically and responsibly for the benefit of the society.”


ACS NSW chair Andrew Crawford (centre).

Crawford said now is the right time to update and adopt better governance for ACS.

"Good governance in 2019 means more than just complying with the law and legal duties, and carrying out the governance role in the best interests of our members and the reputation of our ICT profession.

"As we have seen from the past five years of exposed failures in the ethics and performance of major religious, banking and now aged care facilities in Australia, we need to be moving to a more transparent and beyond-repute system of governing our memberships, impact, reporting and delivery of services to our sector.

"I invite all members to consider the merits of a yes vote on 25 October as we continue to grow ACS' membership."