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Parks and Leisure Australia has advised that a member vote on a new constitution put up at its 2024 national conference in Brisbane last week failed to secure sufficient votes.

Requiring 75% of members to instigate the change, it only registered 73.5% of the valid votes on the day.

In addition, a motion at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) last Tuesday on a proposed change to a federated model was opposed by 69.6% of valid votes.

In a statement on social media on the constitutional change, PLA advised, under the banner 'Better Together - Thank You for Protecting the PLA', "we will re-table the official constitution at a future date - without disruptions - and continue driving PLA’s growth and future direction."

it added "thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and support our vision. Your engagement makes all the difference, and it's true what they say: every vote counts."

Also on social media, PLA National Advisory Member Neal Ames, expressed his support for the constitutional change, writing "the new constitution is not just about modernising our organisation, it’s about opening up our organisation, and our industry, to different opportunities.

“Here is one example, the new constitution allows us to explore future charitable status, this then means that we can move into the conservation conservancy area, something that is very important to our members and the wider community.

“Here's another example. In Australia many community organisations receive estate donations from people who want to leave benefits to organisations whose purpose and goals they believe in. With the new constitution people would be able to allocate benefits to PLA to carry out the work that people think are important.”             

PLA National President, Kristin Davies explained that engagement was strong on the topic and it was important that members had their opportunity to guide the organisations future, noting “it was important that members had the opportunity to vote.

“I was proud to see our members stand up and say that we won’t be defined by where we come from or where we are located, but by where we are going together, as a collective, by our shared vision for the benefit of all members.”

Commenting on the result of the EGM, Davies stated “a resounding message that the values we hold as an organisation and a sector are to be respected. A resounding declaration that we are better, stronger together.”

“Unfortunately, many people brought proxy votes with them on the day of the AGM that could not be counted as they were received after the deadline (48 hours prior), this would have filled the very minor gap and further demonstrated the members desire for progress. 

“Now that the organisation is safe from federation, it now allows more time for engagement on the Official PLA Constitution, which is what we all originally wanted before our hands were forced.”

Brisbane Conference and Statement
PLA's Brisbane conference, attended by more than 400 delegates, explored how recreation, play and community meet innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.

Building on past post conference statements, PLA's Brisbane Conference Statement emphasised six key pledges to guide the organisation's strategic vision.

The pledges are:

Foster Collaboration: by embracing kindred organisations and community groups to seek partnerships across disciplines, cultures, and sectors to achieve more positive leisure outcomes.

Promote Sustainability: by advocating for the fundamental need to deliver park and leisure experiences that are ecologically sound.

Advocate for Equity: by actively seeking information and training about experiences other people have that are different to our own experiences, so we achieve outcomes that are fair for all.

Embrace Innovation: by breathing life into our places and spaces, infusing them with purpose.

Champion Health and Wellbeing: by integrating health and wellbeing considerations into park and leisure programs, planning and design.

Community Engagement: ensures that communities are able to provide input, share concerns and contribute to decisions about the delivery of parks and leisure experiences.

Click here to view the full statement.

Image: The opening sports panel at the PLA 2024 National Conference (top) and a conference delegate (below).Credir: PLA.

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