Townhall 1 recap: Why Change the Constitution?

Thank you to everyone who made time to join our first AVA Constitution Townhall on Friday 27 June. If you were in clinic, teaching, out on farm, or just couldn’t make it, that’s OK, we’ve got you covered.

Here is a quick recap of what we discussed, and a link to watch the recording when it suits you.

🎥 Watch the recording: Why change the Constitution?

 

What this session covered

This first Townhall focused on why the AVA Constitution is being updated. It might sound technical (and not that exciting), but it directly impacts how decisions are made, how members are represented, and how the AVA can support you.

1.  Why we’re making these changes

The current Constitution has served the AVA for many years, but some of its structures are no longer contemporary and are making it harder to adapt and support members in the way you expect.

Recent Member feedback from a survey of over 2,500 voices told us clearly:

• You want easier, more inclusive ways to get involved
• You expect a structure that reflects the diversity of the profession
• You want strong, fair and transparent leadership

2.  What is being proposed (Stage 3 reforms)

This is the final step in a multi-year process. We are proposing to:

a) Simplify Member categories
So it is clearer to see where you fit, regardless of your role, career stage, or work setting.

b) Move operational detail into supporting policy
This gives the AVA more flexibility to adapt, and reduces the need for full member votes on minor updates.

c) Strengthen how our Board works
With a proposed structure of maintaining 9 Directors but introducing 3 Sector Directors and 2 Independent Directors:

• 4 AVA Directors - elected from the membership but not necessarily a member of the cattle, equine or small animal SIGs
• 3 Sector Directors (one each from cattle, equine and small animals): guaranteed representation for the first time; elected by members.
• 2 Independent Directors to bring specialist skills in areas like governance, finance and advocacy; elected by members.
• A skills matrix and independent Nominations Committee to promote better governance and support fair and open elections

3.  What is not changing

Your rights as a member remain protected. You will always have the opportunity to:

• Vote on changes to the Constitution
• Elect or remove Board Directors
• Appoint the auditors who work on your behalf

This is not about changing what the AVA stands for; it is about making sure it can keep up with the profession and better serve our members.

4.  What you have told us so far

Since the first Member Briefing on the proposed changes post the 8 May 2025 AGM, members have continued to share valuable feedback through emails, workshops and consultation meetings. Four key themes have emerged:

a) Representation and equity
Members want fairer, more balanced Board representation across the profession, including different regions, species groups and career stages.

b) Skills and governance capability
There is strong support for a skills-based Board, with clear expectations around capability, accountability and leadership.

c) Preserving PAC’s purpose
Members support moving operational detail into policy but want the core purpose of the Policy Advisory Council retained in the Constitution.

d) Future-readiness
Members want a governance structure that can evolve with the profession and respond to emerging issues like AI and workforce change.

5.  What’s next?

Two more Townhalls are coming up. Each session will focus on a key part of the proposal.

Townhall 2: Board Structure and Elections
📅 Monday 7 July | 🕧 12:30–1:30pm AEST
Register now

Townhall 3: Policy and Member Categories
📅 Wednesday 16 July | 🕕 6:00–7:00pm AEST
Register now

✉️ We want to hear from you

This is a shared journey. We are inviting all members to ask questions, share feedback and help shape the final proposal before voting later this year.

📧 Email the Constitution Reform Working Group: constitutionfeedback@ava.com.au
💬 or Submit anonymous feedback via this form
📄 View the draft consultation paper and FAQs on our website

🎥 Catch up on Townhall 1: Why Change the Constitution?

Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive AVA together.

Kind regards,

Dr Gemma Chuck
President, Australian Veterinary Association