Proposed Changes to the governing body of AITPM
The AITPM Ltd Board of Directors is proposing changes to its current structure and governance. These changes represent the collective work over several years to position AITPM as a strong, modern and thought-leading industry body that responds to the needs of its diverse membership, while maintaining relevance in a fast-changing landscape.
The Board has prepared a discussion paper to provide AITPM members with a clear overview of the proposed changes, the thinking that has informed the proposed changes and the journey AITPM, and the Board, has undertaken to arrive at this point.
View the full Discussion Paper
View the Governance Webinar Recording in the Resources Portal
GET IN TOUCH: After reading the Discussion Paper, if you have further queries or would like to contact a Board member to discuss, please contact us here.
Executive summary
What are the proposed changes to the Board?
- Size and composition of the Board – The Board will be changed from five member-elected, and five state branch-appointed directors to five member-elected directors (one from each region) with the option for the Board to appoint up to four additional directors. Members will have the right to vote for eligible candidates (one in each region where there is vacancy) who they consider will best serve the Institute. The appointment of up to four additional Board directors will be driven by the need at various intervals to complement and enrich the Board’s skills and experience. There may be times when a special skill set is required to advise and assist the Board on leading the Institute through a unique event or strategic endeavour.
- Length of office – The terms of office for the five elected directors will increase from two years to three years.
- Eligibility – There will be an easing of the eligibility criteria for members to serve as a director. Eligibility will no longer require a member to have served on a branch committee and been an office bearer. The proposed changes will reduce eligibility barriers, remove any possible conflicts of interest between state based operational agendas and strategic Board decisions, and increase the opportunity for a more strategically focused Board, comprised of greater diversity.
Why is the Board proposing these changes?
Fundamentally, the proposed changes are driven by the Board’s commitment to continually improve its performance and governance, meet the Institute’s vision and mission, and deliver its Strategic Plan. All of these are underpinned by the desire to better represent its members.
Individual key drivers:
- A more strategic focus – Adopting the new model means the Board will be less concerned with operational matters, ensuring AITPM remains strategically focused.
- Maintaining relevance – The Board responds to, and is informed by, federal and state government policies on transport and planning. A member-elected director from each region will ensure the Board remains relevant and understands the political environment/climate in each state as well as nationwide.
- Democratic regional representation – The proposed change to have members from each region democratically elect a director empowers our member base, and aligns with broader democratic practices.
- The inclusion of a broader, more diverse set of skills and knowledge – Easing the eligibility criteria will broaden the pool of candidates and enable members with complementary skills, capabilities and fresh perspectives to serve as directors, especially in the instance of Board-appointed directors. This in turn will enrich the quality and performance of the Board.
- Delivering on our plan – These proposed changes represent the final recommendations from an eight-year, three-stage transformational process, starting in 2015, and undertaken by the Board to deliver a stronger focus on governance and strategic direction.
What are the benefits to AITPM and its members?
- A Board with a strong focus on strategy and governance will lead AITPM to deliver operational outcomes that are more relevant and of greater value to members.
- The easing of eligibility criteria means more members will be eligible to nominate for a role as director on the Board.
- Members are assured there will be a democratically elected director from their region, representing their interests, on the Board.
When is it proposed these changes would take place?
There would be a gradual transition over two to three years starting from when the proposed changes are adopted. As members of the current Board finish their terms, the election and appointment of new Board members would follow the proposed model based on the revised eligibility criteria.
What are the next steps?
September – November 2023: Finalisation and distribution of the Discussion Paper
October – December 2023: Draft changes to the Constitution
January – February 2024: Issue Notice of a General Meeting
February - March 2024: Ratification of new Constitution via Special Resolution at General Meeting