Australian Rostrum (ACT Zone)

Constitution

Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc.

Po Box 520

Civic Square Act 2608

Contents

Definitions 1.

Objects 2.

Membership

3. Officers of the Dais

4. Meetings

5. Proxies

6. Public Officer

7. Executive

8. Financial Year

9. Finances

10. Annual Report

11. Seal of the Dais

12. Freemen

13. Life Members

14. Formation of Clubs

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

19. Winding Up

20. Amendments to this Constitution First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution Second Schedule - Model By-laws Third Schedule - Application for Membership of Rostrum Fourth Schedule - Transfer of Membership Regulations

Definitions

This is the constitution for Australian Rostrum in the ACT Zone. In the interpretation of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Act" means the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 of the Australian Capital Territory;

"ACT Zone" means the area defined as such for the time being by the Australian Rostrum Council;

"ARC" means the Australian Rostrum Council as defined by the Australian Rostrum Constitution;

"club" or "Rostrum club" means, except where the context otherwise requires, a club in the ACT Zone recognised by the Dais as a Rostrum club;

"Constitution" where used herein means this Constitution including the schedules hereto, which are hereby incorporated into this Constitution;

"Dais" means Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Incorporated and shall refer to the Dais for the time being appointed pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution;

"effective speaking" includes chairmanship and meeting procedure;

"member of Rostrum" or "Rostrum member" means a member of a Rostrum club;

"Public Officer" means the officer appointed to this position for the purposes of the Act;

"year" means a calendar year.

1. Objects

The objects of the Dais are:

(a) to act as the governing body of the ACT Zone in accordance with the Australian Rostrum Constitution; and

(b) to further the objects of Australian Rostrum as set out in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

2. Membership

(a) The membership of the Dais shall comprise:

(i) the Dais representatives of the clubs in the ACT Zone; and

(ii) the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Public Officer (none of whom need be a Dais representative).

(b) (i) Each club in the ACT Zone having twenty (20) or more members shall, at its first election of Dais representatives, elect one member to represent such club until the next succeeding 31 December and another to represent it until 31 December in the following year.

(ii) Before the end of each calendar year, each such club shall elect one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(c) (i) Each club having fewer than twenty (20) members shall, at its first election of a Dais representative elect a member to represent the club until the next succeeding 31 December.

(ii) Before the end of the same year as is referred to in the preceding sub-clause and before the end of each alternate year thereafter, the said club shall appoint one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(d) (i) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais be below twenty (20) on 30 September in any year, then such club shall not be entitled to elect a representative to the Dais in place of the representative who under the preceding provisions of this clause would have retired on 31 December of that year. Thereafter such club shall be entitled to elect only one representative to the Dais (in the manner herein before prescribed) unless and until such club shall come within the provisions of paragraph 2(d)(ii) hereof.

2 (d) (ii) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect one representative to the Dais be twenty (20) or above on 30 September in any year then:

(aa) If the representative on the Dais of such club is to retire pursuant to sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect, prior to the end of that year, two representatives to the Dais who shall hold office for the periods provided in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof;

(bb) If the representative on the Dais of such club is not due to retire as a result of sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect an additional representative on the Dais for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

Thereafter, in either case, such club shall be entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais in the manner prescribed in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof unless and until such club comes within the provisions of paragraph 2 (d) (i) hereof.

(e) A representative may be appointed by a club from time to time to fill a casual vacancy but such representative shall hold office only for the unexpired period of the term of the previous occupant of such office.

(f) No person shall represent more than one club at any one time.

(g) The Secretary of a club shall notify the Secretary of the Dais, as soon as possible, of any alteration in the representation of that club.

(h) A club may at any time revoke the appointment of any of its representatives to Dais.

3. Officers of the Dais

(a) The officers of the Dais shall comprise a President, a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Officer and such other officers as the Dais thinks fit.

(b) (i) A special meeting shall be held in November of each year at which the business shall be to elect the officers referred to in sub-clause 3 (a). Nominations may be made only by Dais representatives or their proxies and shall be made or tendered at the meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot on a preferential basis if necessary. The officers so elected shall take office on the first day of January of the following year.

(ii) Election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be from current members of the ACT Zone of Rostrum.

3 (b) (iii) Election to all other executive positions shall be from those elected to hold office as Dais representatives in the ensuing year.

(iv) At the special meeting held pursuant to paragraph 3(b)(i) the Dais may appoint such other officers and employees as it thinks fit who need not be Dais representatives nor necessarily members of Rostrum. The terms and conditions of any such appointments and any remuneration shall be determined by the Dais.

(v) On election as President, a Dais representative shall cease to be a representative for a club. The club affected may fill the vacancy in accordance with sub-clause 2(e).

(vi) A current President who remains a member of a Rostrum club shall be eligible for re-election.

(c) (i) If an officer elected in accordance with sub-clause 3(b) is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties of the office to which that officer was elected, then the Dais shall elect a member of Rostrum to that office for a specified period but not beyond the next special general meeting to be held in accordance with sub-clause 3(b). Pending any such election by the Dais, the Executive may appoint a member of the Executive to perform in whole or in part the duties of the officer in question.

(ii) The Dais may at any annual or ordinary general meeting revoke the appointment of any of its officers and fill, from among the Dais representatives, any casual vacancy arising at any time among its officers.

(iii) If the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the responsibilities of office, the Executive shall appoint one of its members to act as President. The acting President shall continue to discharge the President's responsibilities until such time as the President resumes them or a new President is elected by the Dais.

(d) An officer elected under sub-clause 3(b) shall be deemed to have vacated office if that officer:

(i) resigns office by letter to the Executive;

(ii) fails, without leave granted by the Executive, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive; or

(iii) becomes ineligible to hold office by reason of a provision of the Act.

4. Meetings

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

This is the constitution for Australian Rostrum in the ACT Zone. In the interpretation of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Act" means the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 of the Australian Capital Territory;

"ACT Zone" means the area defined as such for the time being by the Australian Rostrum Council;

"ARC" means the Australian Rostrum Council as defined by the Australian Rostrum Constitution;

"club" or "Rostrum club" means, except where the context otherwise requires, a club in the ACT Zone recognised by the Dais as a Rostrum club;

"Constitution" where used herein means this Constitution including the schedules hereto, which are hereby incorporated into this Constitution;

"Dais" means Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Incorporated and shall refer to the Dais for the time being appointed pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution;

"effective speaking" includes chairmanship and meeting procedure;

"member of Rostrum" or "Rostrum member" means a member of a Rostrum club;

"Public Officer" means the officer appointed to this position for the purposes of the Act;

"year" means a calendar year.

1. Objects

The objects of the Dais are:

(a) to act as the governing body of the ACT Zone in accordance with the Australian Rostrum Constitution; and

(b) to further the objects of Australian Rostrum as set out in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

2. Membership

(a) The membership of the Dais shall comprise:

(i) the Dais representatives of the clubs in the ACT Zone; and

(ii) the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Public Officer (none of whom need be a Dais representative).

(b) (i) Each club in the ACT Zone having twenty (20) or more members shall, at its first election of Dais representatives, elect one member to represent such club until the next succeeding 31 December and another to represent it until 31 December in the following year.

(ii) Before the end of each calendar year, each such club shall elect one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(c) (i) Each club having fewer than twenty (20) members shall, at its first election of a Dais representative elect a member to represent the club until the next succeeding 31 December.

(ii) Before the end of the same year as is referred to in the preceding sub-clause and before the end of each alternate year thereafter, the said club shall appoint one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(d) (i) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais be below twenty (20) on 30 September in any year, then such club shall not be entitled to elect a representative to the Dais in place of the representative who under the preceding provisions of this clause would have retired on 31 December of that year. Thereafter such club shall be entitled to elect only one representative to the Dais (in the manner herein before prescribed) unless and until such club shall come within the provisions of paragraph 2(d)(ii) hereof.

2 (d) (ii) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect one representative to the Dais be twenty (20) or above on 30 September in any year then:

(aa) If the representative on the Dais of such club is to retire pursuant to sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect, prior to the end of that year, two representatives to the Dais who shall hold office for the periods provided in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof;

(bb) If the representative on the Dais of such club is not due to retire as a result of sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect an additional representative on the Dais for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

Thereafter, in either case, such club shall be entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais in the manner prescribed in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof unless and until such club comes within the provisions of paragraph 2 (d) (i) hereof.

(e) A representative may be appointed by a club from time to time to fill a casual vacancy but such representative shall hold office only for the unexpired period of the term of the previous occupant of such office.

(f) No person shall represent more than one club at any one time.

(g) The Secretary of a club shall notify the Secretary of the Dais, as soon as possible, of any alteration in the representation of that club.

(h) A club may at any time revoke the appointment of any of its representatives to Dais.

3. Officers of the Dais

(a) The officers of the Dais shall comprise a President, a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Officer and such other officers as the Dais thinks fit.

(b) (i) A special meeting shall be held in November of each year at which the business shall be to elect the officers referred to in sub-clause 3 (a). Nominations may be made only by Dais representatives or their proxies and shall be made or tendered at the meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot on a preferential basis if necessary. The officers so elected shall take office on the first day of January of the following year.

(ii) Election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be from current members of the ACT Zone of Rostrum.

3 (b) (iii) Election to all other executive positions shall be from those elected to hold office as Dais representatives in the ensuing year.

(iv) At the special meeting held pursuant to paragraph 3(b)(i) the Dais may appoint such other officers and employees as it thinks fit who need not be Dais representatives nor necessarily members of Rostrum. The terms and conditions of any such appointments and any remuneration shall be determined by the Dais.

(v) On election as President, a Dais representative shall cease to be a representative for a club. The club affected may fill the vacancy in accordance with sub-clause 2(e).

(vi) A current President who remains a member of a Rostrum club shall be eligible for re-election.

(c) (i) If an officer elected in accordance with sub-clause 3(b) is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties of the office to which that officer was elected, then the Dais shall elect a member of Rostrum to that office for a specified period but not beyond the next special general meeting to be held in accordance with sub-clause 3(b). Pending any such election by the Dais, the Executive may appoint a member of the Executive to perform in whole or in part the duties of the officer in question.

(ii) The Dais may at any annual or ordinary general meeting revoke the appointment of any of its officers and fill, from among the Dais representatives, any casual vacancy arising at any time among its officers.

(iii) If the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the responsibilities of office, the Executive shall appoint one of its members to act as President. The acting President shall continue to discharge the President's responsibilities until such time as the President resumes them or a new President is elected by the Dais.

(d) An officer elected under sub-clause 3(b) shall be deemed to have vacated office if that officer:

(i) resigns office by letter to the Executive;

(ii) fails, without leave granted by the Executive, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive; or

(iii) becomes ineligible to hold office by reason of a provision of the Act.

4. Meetings

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

The objects of the Dais are:

(a) to act as the governing body of the ACT Zone in accordance with the Australian Rostrum Constitution; and

(b) to further the objects of Australian Rostrum as set out in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

2. Membership

(a) The membership of the Dais shall comprise:

(i) the Dais representatives of the clubs in the ACT Zone; and

(ii) the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Public Officer (none of whom need be a Dais representative).

(b) (i) Each club in the ACT Zone having twenty (20) or more members shall, at its first election of Dais representatives, elect one member to represent such club until the next succeeding 31 December and another to represent it until 31 December in the following year.

(ii) Before the end of each calendar year, each such club shall elect one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(c) (i) Each club having fewer than twenty (20) members shall, at its first election of a Dais representative elect a member to represent the club until the next succeeding 31 December.

(ii) Before the end of the same year as is referred to in the preceding sub-clause and before the end of each alternate year thereafter, the said club shall appoint one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(d) (i) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais be below twenty (20) on 30 September in any year, then such club shall not be entitled to elect a representative to the Dais in place of the representative who under the preceding provisions of this clause would have retired on 31 December of that year. Thereafter such club shall be entitled to elect only one representative to the Dais (in the manner herein before prescribed) unless and until such club shall come within the provisions of paragraph 2(d)(ii) hereof.

2 (d) (ii) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect one representative to the Dais be twenty (20) or above on 30 September in any year then:

(aa) If the representative on the Dais of such club is to retire pursuant to sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect, prior to the end of that year, two representatives to the Dais who shall hold office for the periods provided in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof;

(bb) If the representative on the Dais of such club is not due to retire as a result of sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect an additional representative on the Dais for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

Thereafter, in either case, such club shall be entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais in the manner prescribed in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof unless and until such club comes within the provisions of paragraph 2 (d) (i) hereof.

(e) A representative may be appointed by a club from time to time to fill a casual vacancy but such representative shall hold office only for the unexpired period of the term of the previous occupant of such office.

(f) No person shall represent more than one club at any one time.

(g) The Secretary of a club shall notify the Secretary of the Dais, as soon as possible, of any alteration in the representation of that club.

(h) A club may at any time revoke the appointment of any of its representatives to Dais.

3. Officers of the Dais

(a) The officers of the Dais shall comprise a President, a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Officer and such other officers as the Dais thinks fit.

(b) (i) A special meeting shall be held in November of each year at which the business shall be to elect the officers referred to in sub-clause 3 (a). Nominations may be made only by Dais representatives or their proxies and shall be made or tendered at the meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot on a preferential basis if necessary. The officers so elected shall take office on the first day of January of the following year.

(ii) Election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be from current members of the ACT Zone of Rostrum.

3 (b) (iii) Election to all other executive positions shall be from those elected to hold office as Dais representatives in the ensuing year.

(iv) At the special meeting held pursuant to paragraph 3(b)(i) the Dais may appoint such other officers and employees as it thinks fit who need not be Dais representatives nor necessarily members of Rostrum. The terms and conditions of any such appointments and any remuneration shall be determined by the Dais.

(v) On election as President, a Dais representative shall cease to be a representative for a club. The club affected may fill the vacancy in accordance with sub-clause 2(e).

(vi) A current President who remains a member of a Rostrum club shall be eligible for re-election.

(c) (i) If an officer elected in accordance with sub-clause 3(b) is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties of the office to which that officer was elected, then the Dais shall elect a member of Rostrum to that office for a specified period but not beyond the next special general meeting to be held in accordance with sub-clause 3(b). Pending any such election by the Dais, the Executive may appoint a member of the Executive to perform in whole or in part the duties of the officer in question.

(ii) The Dais may at any annual or ordinary general meeting revoke the appointment of any of its officers and fill, from among the Dais representatives, any casual vacancy arising at any time among its officers.

(iii) If the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the responsibilities of office, the Executive shall appoint one of its members to act as President. The acting President shall continue to discharge the President's responsibilities until such time as the President resumes them or a new President is elected by the Dais.

(d) An officer elected under sub-clause 3(b) shall be deemed to have vacated office if that officer:

(i) resigns office by letter to the Executive;

(ii) fails, without leave granted by the Executive, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive; or

(iii) becomes ineligible to hold office by reason of a provision of the Act.

4. Meetings

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

(a) The membership of the Dais shall comprise:

(i) the Dais representatives of the clubs in the ACT Zone; and

(ii) the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Public Officer (none of whom need be a Dais representative).

(b) (i) Each club in the ACT Zone having twenty (20) or more members shall, at its first election of Dais representatives, elect one member to represent such club until the next succeeding 31 December and another to represent it until 31 December in the following year.

(ii) Before the end of each calendar year, each such club shall elect one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(c) (i) Each club having fewer than twenty (20) members shall, at its first election of a Dais representative elect a member to represent the club until the next succeeding 31 December.

(ii) Before the end of the same year as is referred to in the preceding sub-clause and before the end of each alternate year thereafter, the said club shall appoint one member to represent it for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

(d) (i) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais be below twenty (20) on 30 September in any year, then such club shall not be entitled to elect a representative to the Dais in place of the representative who under the preceding provisions of this clause would have retired on 31 December of that year. Thereafter such club shall be entitled to elect only one representative to the Dais (in the manner herein before prescribed) unless and until such club shall come within the provisions of paragraph 2(d)(ii) hereof.

2 (d) (ii) Should the membership of any club previously entitled to elect one representative to the Dais be twenty (20) or above on 30 September in any year then:

(aa) If the representative on the Dais of such club is to retire pursuant to sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect, prior to the end of that year, two representatives to the Dais who shall hold office for the periods provided in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof;

(bb) If the representative on the Dais of such club is not due to retire as a result of sub-clause 2 (c) of this clause on 31 December of that year, that club shall be entitled to elect an additional representative on the Dais for two (2) years commencing on 1 January of the following year.

Thereafter, in either case, such club shall be entitled to elect two representatives to the Dais in the manner prescribed in sub-clause 2 (b) hereof unless and until such club comes within the provisions of paragraph 2 (d) (i) hereof.

(e) A representative may be appointed by a club from time to time to fill a casual vacancy but such representative shall hold office only for the unexpired period of the term of the previous occupant of such office.

(f) No person shall represent more than one club at any one time.

(g) The Secretary of a club shall notify the Secretary of the Dais, as soon as possible, of any alteration in the representation of that club.

(h) A club may at any time revoke the appointment of any of its representatives to Dais.

3. Officers of the Dais

(a) The officers of the Dais shall comprise a President, a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Officer and such other officers as the Dais thinks fit.

(b) (i) A special meeting shall be held in November of each year at which the business shall be to elect the officers referred to in sub-clause 3 (a). Nominations may be made only by Dais representatives or their proxies and shall be made or tendered at the meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot on a preferential basis if necessary. The officers so elected shall take office on the first day of January of the following year.

(ii) Election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be from current members of the ACT Zone of Rostrum.

3 (b) (iii) Election to all other executive positions shall be from those elected to hold office as Dais representatives in the ensuing year.

(iv) At the special meeting held pursuant to paragraph 3(b)(i) the Dais may appoint such other officers and employees as it thinks fit who need not be Dais representatives nor necessarily members of Rostrum. The terms and conditions of any such appointments and any remuneration shall be determined by the Dais.

(v) On election as President, a Dais representative shall cease to be a representative for a club. The club affected may fill the vacancy in accordance with sub-clause 2(e).

(vi) A current President who remains a member of a Rostrum club shall be eligible for re-election.

(c) (i) If an officer elected in accordance with sub-clause 3(b) is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties of the office to which that officer was elected, then the Dais shall elect a member of Rostrum to that office for a specified period but not beyond the next special general meeting to be held in accordance with sub-clause 3(b). Pending any such election by the Dais, the Executive may appoint a member of the Executive to perform in whole or in part the duties of the officer in question.

(ii) The Dais may at any annual or ordinary general meeting revoke the appointment of any of its officers and fill, from among the Dais representatives, any casual vacancy arising at any time among its officers.

(iii) If the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the responsibilities of office, the Executive shall appoint one of its members to act as President. The acting President shall continue to discharge the President's responsibilities until such time as the President resumes them or a new President is elected by the Dais.

(d) An officer elected under sub-clause 3(b) shall be deemed to have vacated office if that officer:

(i) resigns office by letter to the Executive;

(ii) fails, without leave granted by the Executive, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive; or

(iii) becomes ineligible to hold office by reason of a provision of the Act.

4. Meetings

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

(a) The officers of the Dais shall comprise a President, a Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Officer and such other officers as the Dais thinks fit.

(b) (i) A special meeting shall be held in November of each year at which the business shall be to elect the officers referred to in sub-clause 3 (a). Nominations may be made only by Dais representatives or their proxies and shall be made or tendered at the meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot on a preferential basis if necessary. The officers so elected shall take office on the first day of January of the following year.

(ii) Election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be from current members of the ACT Zone of Rostrum.

3 (b) (iii) Election to all other executive positions shall be from those elected to hold office as Dais representatives in the ensuing year.

(iv) At the special meeting held pursuant to paragraph 3(b)(i) the Dais may appoint such other officers and employees as it thinks fit who need not be Dais representatives nor necessarily members of Rostrum. The terms and conditions of any such appointments and any remuneration shall be determined by the Dais.

(v) On election as President, a Dais representative shall cease to be a representative for a club. The club affected may fill the vacancy in accordance with sub-clause 2(e).

(vi) A current President who remains a member of a Rostrum club shall be eligible for re-election.

(c) (i) If an officer elected in accordance with sub-clause 3(b) is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties of the office to which that officer was elected, then the Dais shall elect a member of Rostrum to that office for a specified period but not beyond the next special general meeting to be held in accordance with sub-clause 3(b). Pending any such election by the Dais, the Executive may appoint a member of the Executive to perform in whole or in part the duties of the officer in question.

(ii) The Dais may at any annual or ordinary general meeting revoke the appointment of any of its officers and fill, from among the Dais representatives, any casual vacancy arising at any time among its officers.

(iii) If the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the responsibilities of office, the Executive shall appoint one of its members to act as President. The acting President shall continue to discharge the President's responsibilities until such time as the President resumes them or a new President is elected by the Dais.

(d) An officer elected under sub-clause 3(b) shall be deemed to have vacated office if that officer:

(i) resigns office by letter to the Executive;

(ii) fails, without leave granted by the Executive, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Executive; or

(iii) becomes ineligible to hold office by reason of a provision of the Act.

4. Meetings

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

(a) The Dais shall hold meetings every February, May, August and November (known as "ordinary meetings") and an annual general meeting in February. All other meetings shall be called "special meetings".

(b) The business of the annual general meeting shall be to:

(i) confirm, if the meeting agrees, the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting;

(ii) receive from the Dais Executive, officers and employees, and the auditor of the Dais, reports upon the transactions of the Dais during the preceding year and in particular to receive a statement of income and expenditure for the preceding year together with a balance sheet as at 31 December of that year audited in accordance with clause 9(e) hereof;

(iii) elect by secret ballot members of Rostrum to be recommended to the ARC for appointment as Freemen of Rostrum;

(iv) appoint an auditor who shall not be a Dais representative or an employee of Dais and to determine the auditor's remuneration;

(v) determine the remuneration of officers and employees of the Dais; and

(vi) consider any other business of which due notice has been given.

(c) A special meeting of Dais may be called by requisition of at least five (5) Dais representatives. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of such requisition, the Dais Executive shall by notice specifying the business referred to in the requisition (and any other matters which in consequence of such business it considers a special meeting should resolve) call a meeting of the Dais to be held within twenty-one (21) days after the issue of the notice. In the event of the Dais Executive failing to call such a meeting within seven (7) days from the receipt of such requisition, the signatories thereto may themselves call a meeting of the Dais by notice to each Dais representative specifying the business referred to in the requisition. At a meeting called as provided in this paragraph, no business shall be introduced other than that stated in the notice of the meeting.

The Executive may convene a special meeting at any time on not less than seven (7) days notice to members.

(d) At meetings of the Dais a quorum shall be constituted if more than half the representatives in person or by proxy are present provided that a representative appointed as proxy for another representative of the same club pursuant to Clause 5(a) hereof shall for the purposes of this sub-paragraph count as two persons.

4(e) Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution or in the Australian Rostrum Constitution, matters before the Dais shall be decided by a majority vote of those Dais representatives present in person or by proxy. A ballot shall be taken if demanded by two or more such representatives. Where this Constitution requires that a resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds and the number of votes cast by Dais representatives is not divisible exactly by three, fractions shall be ignored and the whole number next below the precise value of two-thirds shall be deemed to be two-thirds.

(f) Only elected Dais representatives or their duly appointed proxies shall be able to vote.

(g) The Dais shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(h) The Executive shall give at least twenty-one (21) days notice of every meeting of Dais to all Dais representatives, to any other officer or employee of Dais required to attend such meeting, and to clubs. The notice shall set out the matters to be considered at the meeting including any motions of which notice has been given by a Dais representative or representatives of which a copy shall be included with the notice of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Dais may resolve to consider any other matter which is brought before it at that meeting. The Dais may also resolve that specific subjects shall not be discussed at an ordinary general meeting unless all Dais representatives and clubs have been notified at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of that meeting.

(i) Not used

(j) The President, or the person for the time being acting as President in accordance with sub-clause 3(c)(iii), shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting and at all special and ordinary general meetings of the Dais and at any other Rostrum meeting sponsored by the Dais unless the President deputes some other Rostrum member to do so.

5. Proxies

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitution".

PART 1 - Club Membership

1. Ordinary Membership

(a) The minimum age for full membership shall be eighteen years.

(b) Membership of a club shall include all members entitled to full membership (herein referred to as ordinary membership) in accordance with the by-laws of the club.

2. Junior Membership

(a) A person under the age of eighteen years and over the age of twelve years may be admitted to a club as a junior member.

(b) A junior member shall not be entitled to hold office on the Dais and shall not be entitled to hold the office of Dais Representative.

(c) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations a junior member shall not be counted as a member for the purposes of sub-clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purpose of regulation 4 of these Regulations.

3. Associate Membership

(a) A club may by resolution grant the status of associate membership to members and former members of Rostrum.

(b) Associate membership shall be granted only to members or former members of Rostrum who, in the opinion of the club, are for sufficient reason unable to participate fully in club activities but who desire to return to ordinary membership when circumstances permit.

(c) A club may make provision in its standing orders for the admission of associate members of any club to ordinary membership of the club.

(d) An associate member of any club may apply for transfer to ordinary membership of any club within the ACT Zone and may be admitted to such membership upon compliance with the transfer and other relevant requirements of the club's by-laws and standing orders.

(e) A club may by resolution terminate any associate membership granted by that club after 21 days notice of the proposed termination to the member concerned and after considering any representations made by that member.

(f) For the purposes of the Constitution and of these Regulations any member or former member granted associate membership shall not be counted as a member of Rostrum for the purposes of clauses 6(n) and 8(c) of Schedule 1 to the Constitution or for the purposes of Regulation 4.

(g) (i) Associate members may attend club meetings but shall not be included in any quorum for the purpose of voting on resolutions.

(ii) Associate members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as ordinary members except voting rights and the right to hold office.

4. Life Membership of a club

A club may by resolution grant the status of life membership to a member of the club on such terms and conditions as the club by resolution may decide provided, however, that the club accepts responsibility for any fees or other dues payable to the Dais in respect of such a member.

PART 2 - Membership Of Rostrum Within The Act Zone

5. Membership of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall include all ordinary members of Rostrum clubs within the Zone as shown on returns submitted to the Dais pursuant to these Regulations.

6. In determining the total membership of Rostrum within the Zone no member shall be counted more than once.

7. Returns showing the numbers of ordinary, associate and junior member as at 31 March and 30 September in each year shall be forwarded by clubs to the Dais not later respectively than 15 April and 15 October each year.

Part 3 - Affiliation Fees

8. (a) Affiliation fees determined in accordance with sub-clause 8(d) of the Constitution shall become due and payable in respect of ordinary members shown on returns as at 31 March and 30 September in each year not later than the last days respectively of April and October.

(b) Affiliation fees payable in respect of ordinary members having memberships of more than one club shall be paid by the club having the lowest Australian Rostrum number.

(c) No affiliation fees shall be paid through special purpose clubs.

Part 4 - Dais Life Membership Regulations

(These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 13 of the Constitution.)

Requirements and Conditions

9. Dais may appoint a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone in recognition of outstanding service to Rostrum within the zone. Such appointment shall only be made by special resolution at a general meeting of the Dais, provided always that three (3) months notice of any such proposed resolution shall be given to club secretaries and Dais representatives.

10. A resolution for appointment of a Freeman as a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall not be carried unless supported by a two-thirds majority of the Dais representatives, present personally or by proxy, voting by secret ballot.

11. Affiliation fees shall not be payable by clubs in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone.

12. Australian Rostrum Council levies in respect of Life Members of Rostrum within the ACT Zone shall be payable from such funds of the Dais, as it may by resolution determine.

Part 5 - Interpretation

13. The division of these Regulations into parts shall in no way affect their interpretation.

(a) Subject to the special provisions for clubs outside Canberra and Queanbeyan, as specified in sub-clause 5(e), if any Dais representative be unable to attend a meeting of the Dais that member shall appoint a member of the Rostrum club for which he or she is Dais representative as his or her proxy for that meeting.

(b) The appointment of a proxy shall be notified by the Dais representative or the President of that representative's club to the President or Secretary of the Dais prior to the meeting.

5 (c) The proxy so appointed shall have full power to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties at that meeting of the Dais representative who appointed the proxy.

(d) Subject to sub-clause 5(e), no Dais representative shall be appointed as proxy for another Dais representative and no person shall be proxy for more than one Dais representative.

(e) A Dais representative of a Club the meeting place of which is situated outside the cities of Canberra and Queanbeyan may appoint as that member's proxy the other Dais representative (if any) of that Club and the representative so appointed shall be entitled to vote both on that member's own behalf and as proxy. Alternatively, the representative who is unable to attend the Dais meeting may appoint as proxy a member of another club within the ACT Zone, provided that member is not already a Dais representative.

6. Public Officer

(a) The Public Officer shall be elected annually by the Dais at the Special Meeting referred to in Clause 3 (b),

(b) The office of Public Officer of the Dais shall become vacant if the Public Officer:

(i) dies;

(ii) becomes bankrupt or applies to take or takes advantage of any law relating to bankrupts or insolvent debtors or compounds with that officer's creditors;

(iii) becomes of unsound mind;

(iv) resigns office in writing in a letter addressed to the President;

(v) ceases to be resident in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) fails, without leave granted by the Dais, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Dais; or

(vii) otherwise ceases to be eligible to hold office in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.

(c) (i) In the event of the position of Public Officer becoming vacant the Executive shall within fourteen (14) days thereof appoint another person who is eligible for such office under the Act.

(ii) The Public Officer shall, if that officer changes residential address, notify the Registrar of Incorporated Associations within fourteen (14) days of such change.

7. Executive

(a) The Dais Executive shall comprise the President, Vice-President or Vice- Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such Dais representatives as the Dais may prescribe or appoint and, if not included in the foregoing, the President of the Dais in the immediately preceding year.

(b) The Dais may delegate to the Executive such of its powers as it may from time to time determine.

(c) The President or other Executive member deputed by the President shall be ex officio a member of any subcommittee appointed by the Dais.

(d) The Executive shall keep minutes of its meetings.

(e) At meetings of the Executive, a quorum shall be constituted if fifty percent (50) or more of the Executive are present. If a quorum is not present thirty minutes after the advertised starting time, the meeting shall be adjourned. No business shall be conducted unless a quorum is present.

(f) `Subject to the provisions of the Act and of this Constitution, members of the Executive shall undertake such duties and responsibilities as the Executive determines from time to time. Unless the Executive determines otherwise, the Secretary shall be responsible for the custody and control of all records and documents relating to the Dais other than those for which responsibility has been assigned by the Executive to another member of the Executive or to an officer of the Dais.

(g) The records and documents referred to in sub-clause 7(f) shall be open to inspection at a place within the ACT Zone, free of charge, by a Dais representative at any reasonable hour.

(h) The records and documents of the Dais Executive shall include:

(i) a register of all the Dais representatives;

(ii) a register of all the officers of the Dais; and

(iii) a register of all the members of Rostrum

8. Financial Year

The financial year of the Dais shall, unless the Dais otherwise decides, commence on 1 January and end on 31 December in each year.

9. Finances

(a) (i) The Dais shall from time to time determine the affiliation fee payable by each member (including a component for the fee levied upon the Dais by the ARC in each calendar year pursuant to the Australian Rostrum Constitution to be paid by the clubs in the ACT Zone on behalf of each of their members)

9 (a) provided that any variation of such fee shall require a vote in its favour of at least two-thirds of the Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at the meeting at which such variation is proposed.

(ii) The affiliation fee shall be payable at such time and in such manner as the Dais may from time to time determine provided that only one affiliation fee shall be payable to the Dais on behalf of any member of Rostrum in the ACT Zone and that the Dais may at its discretion waive fees other than the ARC component of such fees.

(b) The funds of the Dais shall be paid into one or more bank accounts in the name of the Dais and shall only be withdrawn by cheques or by withdrawal forms signed by such officers of the Dais, not being fewer than two (2), as the Dais may appoint from time to time for that purpose. Cheques or other negotiable instruments may be endorsed by any of the persons so appointed.

(c) Nothing in the preceding paragraph of this clause shall prevent the Dais from investing any moneys of the Dais not immediately required for any of its objects or purposes in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

(d) The income and property of the Dais, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Dais and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to any member of or officer of Dais. This subclause shall not prevent:

(i) the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officer or employee of Dais or to any member of Rostrum for services rendered to Dais;

(ii) payment of an honorarium to any person in recognition of services rendered to the Dais or Rostrum;

(iii) any member of Rostrum from receiving a grant made in furtherance of the objects of the Dais; and

(iv) any member from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition which may be awarded by virtue of this Constitution or otherwise, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided wholly or partly from the funds of the ARC or any Dais.

(e) The audited statement of income and expenditure and the balance sheet referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) hereof shall contain a report by the auditor of the Dais as to the correctness or otherwise of the said statement and balance sheet and reporting on any matter which, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of Dais.

(f) Should a casual vacancy occur in the position of Auditor the Executive shall appoint a person not disqualified under paragraph 4(b)(iv) hereof to be Auditor until the next annual general meeting of the Dais.

9 (g) The liability of officers and members of the Dais is limited in accordance with the Act.

(h) Members of the Dais shall not be liable to contribute towards the payment of debts and liabilities of the Dais, or the costs, charges and expenses incurred in a winding up of the Dais.

(i) Not used

(j) Upon a requisition signed by a simple majority of the members of a club or of its own motion. Dais may withdraw recognition of a club. In this event the funds, if any, of the club shall be applied firstly to paying any creditors of the club, other than the Dais, amounts owing immediately prior to withdrawal of recognition, and secondly to paying any monies owing by the club, at the same time, to the Dais. Any amount so paid to the Dais may be reserved, at the discretion of the Dais, for purposes related to the establishment or re-establishment of a Rostrum club in the ACT Zone

(k) With the approval of Dais, clubs may amalgamate. In this event, the funds of the amalgamating clubs shall become the funds of the amalgamated club.

10. Annual Report

The Dais shall forward to each club under its control and to every other Dais of Rostrum and to the Secretary of the Australian Rostrum Council, not later than the 28th day of February in each year, a report of its activities during the preceding year together with a copy of the financial statements referred to in paragraph 4(b)(ii) of this Constitution and the Auditor's report in relation to them.

11. Seal of the Dais

(a) The seal of the Dais shall be in the form of a rubber stamp inscribed with the full name of the Dais encircling the words "Common Seal".

(b) The seal shall remain in the custody of the Public Officer.

(c) The seal of the Dais shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of the Dais and the affixing thereof shall be attested by the signatures of a member of the Executive and the Public Officer of the Dais or such other person as the Executive may appoint for that purpose and that attestation shall be sufficient evidence for all purposes that the seal was affixed by authority of the Dais.

12. Freemen

(a) The Dais may with the approval of the ARC confer the title of Freeman upon any member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone who shall have demonstrated the qualities described in the Australian Rostrum Constitution.

(b) A club may nominate to the Dais any member of Rostrum within the Zone it considers eligible for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum provided that any nomination shall be recommended by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of such club present at the time the vote is taken and voting in secret ballot.

(c) Members of clubs shall be given at least twenty-one (21) days notice of any meeting at which it is proposed that a ballot will be held for the purpose of nominating a member of Rostrum for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(d) Such nomination, accompanied by statements signed by the President and Secretary of the nominating club supporting the eligibility of the nominee, shall be forwarded to reach the Dais Secretary not later than 31 October each year.

(e) All nominations received by the Dais shall be tabled at the November ordinary meeting of the Dais and copies of the nominations and the supporting statements shall be forwarded within seven (7) days of that meeting to all members eligible to hold office on the Dais on and from 1 January of the following year.

(f) Each nomination shall be submitted to a secret ballot of Dais representatives present personally or by proxy at the next annual general meeting of the Dais in order to determine whether, in the opinion of such representatives, the nominee meets the requirements for appointment as a Freeman of Rostrum.

(g) Each nomination which receives affirmative votes of two-thirds of the Dais representatives who vote, shall be submitted to the ARC for approval.

13. Life Members

The Dais may appoint a Freeman to be a Life Member of Rostrum within the ACT Zone. The Dais shall make regulations governing the requirements for such membership and the conditions which shall apply to it, and may from time to time amend such regulations.

14. Formation of Clubs

(a) Any group which has the objects and activities of Rostrum as its objects and activities may be given recognition by the Dais as a provisional Rostrum club.

14 (b) The Dais may formulate policy on the admission of a group to provisional Rostrum club status, may determine whether provisional Rostrum clubs may or may not participate in particular activities of Rostrum and, when satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may recognise a provisional Rostrum club as a Rostrum club.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Dais may inaugurate as a special purpose Rostrum club, any group of Rostrum members being not less than ten (10) in number and having objects consistent with the objects of Rostrum.

15. By-laws of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The model by-laws contained in the Second Schedule hereto shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which this Constitution becomes effective, subject to any approvals already given by the Dais under sub-clause (c) of this clause.

(b) Any alteration made by the Dais to the Second Schedule shall be enacted in the same manner as is provided in clause 20 relating to amendments to this Constitution and any such alteration shall apply to all clubs, other than special purpose Rostrum clubs, from the date on which that alteration becomes effective.

(c) A club making any amendments to its by-laws may do so in the manner laid down in its by-laws but no such amendment shall become effective until it has been approved by the Dais.

(d) A club shall not make by-laws restricting membership, except with the prior approval of the Dais.

(e) The by-laws of a special purpose Rostrum club need not accord with the by-laws contained in the Second Schedule but must be approved by the Dais before that club is inaugurated.

16. Control of Rostrum Clubs

(a) The Dais may make and amend regulations governing the clubs under its control relating to matters which the Dais decides should be subjected to uniform control provided that any such regulation or amendment shall be enacted in the same manner as provided in clause 20 relating to amendments of the Constitution.

(b) A club shall furnish to the Dais such information as the Dais may request of it concerning the club's by-laws, membership or activities.

16 (c) The Dais may, by notice, call upon any club under its control to remedy forthwith any breach of this Constitution which in the opinion of the Dais has been committed by such club. If such club continues in breach of the Constitution after having been so called upon by the Dais, the Dais may cancel the recognition of such club and may, if it deems fit, disqualify all or any of the members thereof from membership of Rostrum.

(d) Any club dissatisfied with the decision of the Dais under the preceding sub-clause may, within one (1) month of the receipt of the notice of that decision, appeal to the ARC whose decision shall be final and binding on the club and the Dais.

(e) A nomination for membership of a club shall be made in the form prescribed in the Third Schedule hereto.

(f) No club shall, except with the written authority of Dais, incur any debt or liability on behalf of Dais, in the name of Dais, or so as to bind Dais in any way.

17. Transfer of Members to Other Rostrum Clubs

A Rostrum member wishing to transfer from any Rostrum club to any club under the control of the ACT Dais shall apply for membership subject to the following conditions:

(a) the application shall be in writing upon the form prescribed in the Fourth Schedule hereto; and

(b) the applicant shall produce, to the Secretary of the club he or she wishes to join, satisfactory evidence that all obligations to the previous club have been satisfied.

18. Expulsion of A Member of Rostrum

(a) If any member shall refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Constitution, the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the Dais regulations or the by-laws of that member's club or if any member shall in the opinion of the Dais be guilty of any conduct deemed by it to be unbecoming to a member or prejudicial to the interests of Rostrum, the ACT Dais, or that member's club, such member may be expelled by resolution of the Dais, whether such expulsion is recommended by the member's club or not. Such resolution shall set out the grounds upon which it is based and will be effective immediately, provided that:

(i) at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting at which such resolution is to be proposed the member concerned shall have been notified in writing of the intention to propose such a resolution and been requested to be present at the meeting and before any such resolution is put to the vote the member shall

18 (a) have a reasonable opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation the member may wish to advance;

(ii) twenty-one (21) days written notice of the meeting shall have been given to members of the Dais;

(iii) the notice convening the meeting shall state that the case of the particular member and the question of that member's membership are to be considered; and

(iv) at such meeting the Dais may hear evidence from the member concerned, and from any other person whether a member of Rostrum or not.

(b) A resolution made by the Dais under sub- clause 18(a) shall be conveyed in writing by the Secretary to the member concerned.

19. Winding up

(a) The Dais may be wound up at a meeting of the Dais convened for that purpose by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at such meeting provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the resolution in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act, any surplus property on the dissolution or completion of the winding up of the Dais shall be applied firstly, in paying to any creditor of the Dais, other than the Australian Rostrum Council, any amount owing immediately prior to the winding up and secondly, in paying any monies owing by the Dais to the Australian Rostrum Council and the remainder shall vest in the Australian Rostrum Council and shall be applied in such manner as the Australian Rostrum Council decides.

20. Amendments to this Constitution

(a) Amendments to this Constitution and to the Schedules hereto other than the First Schedule may be made by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of Dais representatives present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Dais provided that at least twenty-eight (28) days written notice of that meeting including the amendments in the form proposed shall previously have been given by the Executive to clubs and Dais representatives.

(b) Upon any amendment being effected to the Australian Rostrum Constitution, the First Schedule to this Constitution shall forthwith be amended accordingly.

(c) Within one month of the passing of a resolution to amend this constitution, the Public Officer shall, in accordance with the Act, lodge notice of the alteration with the Registrar of Incorporated Associations and such amendments shall not take effect until the date of such lodgement.

First Schedule - Australian Rostrum Constitution

1. Definitions

In the construction of this Constitution, unless inconsistent with the context, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and the following words and expressions shall have the meanings set out against them:

"Club" or "Rostrum Club": means any Rostrum Club consisting of members of Rostrum and operating under the provisions of this Constitution.

"Dais" or "Rostrum Dais": means the members for the time being of any Rostrum Dais constituted in accordance with this Constitution.

"Zone": means a State or Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia or such other area as the Australian Rostrum Council shall from time to time define in accordance with Clause 8.

"ARC": means the Australian Rostrum Council.

"Effective Speaking": includes chairmanship and meeting procedure.

2. Objects

(a) Rostrum is for those who desire to improve themselves in the practice of effective speaking, and who hold that freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language are of the utmost value to the community.

(b) Rostrum aims to enrich the fellowship of its members; it holds to an educational ideal.

(c) Rostrum is non-political and non-sectarian and shall not under any circumstances become affiliated or associated with any political or religious organisation, body or sect. Nothing in the foregoing shall prevent the expression of political or religious beliefs by any member provided that the fellowship of Rostrum is not thereby endangered in any way.

(d) The objects and ideals of Rostrum are expressed in the Rostrum promise, which must be made by every candidate as a condition of entry to membership. The promise is as follows:

"I promise to submit myself to the discipline of this Rostrum Club and to endeavour to advance its ideals and enrich its fellowship. I will defend freedom of speech in the community and will try at all times to think truly and to speak clearly. I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak".

3. Name

This association (hereinafter called "Rostrum") shall be known as Australian Rostrum.

4. Liability of Members

(a) No member or committee or officer of Rostrum or any other person shall have any power or authority either specific or implied to pledge the credit of any one or more of the members of Rostrum or to incur any liability of any description on their behalf and it is upon the faith of this provision that all members of Rostrum whether present or future shall be deemed to have joined Rostrum and to have submitted to this Constitution.

(b) No such member, whether an office-bearer or not, nor any such committee shall have power or authority to pledge the credit or make any payments from the funds of the ARC or of any Dais or of any Club unless the ARC or Dais or Club as the case may be shall have first duly passed a resolution delegating such power or authority or specifically authorising the particular expenditure involved and such resolution has been duly recorded in the minutes of the ARC or Dais or Club.

5. Methods

(a) Every Club shall uphold the objects of Rostrum at regular sessions under the guidance of critics appointed by the Club.

(b) The ARC, any Dais and any Club may engage in any activities calculated to advance education in effective speaking for both members of Rostrum and non-members.

6. Australian Rostrum Council

(a) There shall be an Australian Rostrum Council whose functions shall be:

(i) to uphold this Constitution;

(ii) to provide a platform for the exchange of opinions and ideas related to Rostrum objectives;

(iii to supervise the organisation of Rostrum events at a national level;

(iv) to supply publications and instructional materials related to Rostrum objectives; and

(v) to promote publicly the ideals and objectives of Rostrum.

(b) Subject to sub-clause 6(c), the ARC shall consist of the National President and the Presidents for the time being of the Daises.

(c) In the event that the President of a Dais is unable to act as the member of the ARC for that zone, the Dais may appoint another member to act as the member of the ARC for that zone.

(d) A member of the ARC, other than the National President, may appoint to any meeting of the ARC a deputy, who shall be a member of Rostrum not already a member of the ARC, nor a deputy representing any other member of the ARC Such deputy shall exercise all rights and privileges and discharge all duties of the member represented.

(e) The ARC shall hold an Annual Meeting between the first day of July and the last day of October in each year. If due to causes outside the control of ARC two or more members are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the National President may postpone the meeting and may if necessary postpone it until a date later than the last day in October. The ARC may hold such other meetings as may from time to time be determined.

(f) At meetings of the ARC a quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to attend and vote.

(g) When voting as a member of the ARC, each member shall be entitled to exercise a voting strength equal to one-tenth of the Zone membership, rounded to the nearest integer, with the value of 0.5 being rounded to the next highest integer. The National President shall have no vote.

(h) Decisions of the ARC shall be by simple majority vote in accordance with sub-clause 6(g) and may be taken by postal ballot.

(i) At each Annual Meeting, the ARC shall elect a President (who shall be known as the National President) and two Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall be the Senior Vice-President. The National President shall have been a previous Dais President but shall relinquish any office held by him in a Dais upon his election and shall not be a Dais officer during his term of office. The National President shall be a member of a Rostrum club.

(j) The National President shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting. The tenure of the National President shall not exceed three consecutive terms.

(k) A Vice-president shall hold office for the calendar year commencing on 1 January next following the Annual Meeting or until ceasing to be a member of the ARC or until ceasing to be a member of Rostrum, whichever occurs first.

(l) The office of National President shall become vacant if the holder shall:

(i) cease to be a member of a Rostrum Club;

(ii) become an officer of a Dais;

(iii) resign his office by notice in writing to the ARC; or

(iv) be declared by resolution of the ARC to be incapable of effectively carrying out the duties of National President by reason of absence from Australia or serious illness or other disability.

In the event of the office of National President becoming vacant, the Senior Vice President shall act as National President until the next Annual Meeting of the ARC which shall then elect a new National President in accordance with paragraph (i).

(m) At each Annual Meeting and at other times as necessary, the ARC shall appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer, or alternatively a Secretary/Treasurer combined. An appointee need not be a member of Rostrum and shall hold office until this is terminated by the ARC

(n) In each calendar year the ARC may levy upon each Dais a sum agreed upon by the ARC for each member of Rostrum under the control of such Dais. Written notice of such levy shall be given by the Secretary of the ARC to the Secretary of each Dais and the amount of such levy shall be payable by the Dais to the ARC within three calendar months after the date of posting of such notice.

(o) Funds of the ARC shall be paid into a bank account in the name of the ARC Until the ARC shall otherwise determine this account shall be operated only by cheque or withdrawal order signed by any two members of the ARC or by any one member together with the Secretary or Treasurer.

(p) The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC not less than three months' notice of the date and place of the Annual Meeting, at the same time giving members one month's notice to provide items for the agenda of such meetings. The Secretary shall provide a provisional agenda to all members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting. The ARC Secretary shall give all members of the ARC adequate notice of any other meeting called pursuant to sub-clause 6(e).

(q) The ARC shall appoint each year an auditor who shall not be a member of the ARC

7. Restriction on Distribution of Income and Property

(a) The income and property of Rostrum or of any Dais no matter how derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of Rostrum and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend bonus or otherwise, by way of profit to the persons who at any time are or have been members of Rostrum or to any of them or to any person claiming through any of them.

(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of remuneration or expenses to any officers or servants of Rostrum or of any Dais or to any member of Rostrum or other person in return for any services actually rendered to Rostrum or to a Dais, other than remuneration for serving as a member of the ARC or of a Dais, or prevent the payment of interest at a rate not exceeding the maximum authorised trustee investment rate for the

time being on money lent, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of Rostrum.

(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exclude any member of Rostrum from the benefit of any grant made in furtherance of any of the objects of Rostrum, or of the gratuitous distribution among or the sale at a discount to members of any books or other publications, whether being of Rostrum or otherwise, relating to all or any of its objects, or prevent any member who may be entitled thereto from receiving any prize, medal, donation or other recognition to which he may be entitled by virtue of this Constitution or the Constitution of a Dais or the By-Laws or Regulations of Rostrum or of any Dais or Club, notwithstanding that such prize, medal, donation or other recognition may be provided for in whole or in part out of the funds of Rostrum or any Dais.

8. Rostrum Dais

(a) In each Zone in which Clubs have been formed there shall be an executive body known as the Rostrum Dais to uphold the objects of Rostrum and to coordinate the activities of Rostrum within that Zone.

(b) At the request or with the approval of any Dais whose boundaries would be affected, the ARC may from time to time define Zones or vary the boundaries of Zones.

(c) A Dais shall be constituted of not more than two representatives of each Club in that Zone having twenty or more members and one representative of each such Club having less than twenty members.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-clause 8(b) hereof any Club may, with the consent of the ARC and the Dais to which that Club belongs, for such period as the Club thinks fit, place itself under the jurisdiction and control of any Dais. For the purposes of this Constitution, a Club having exercised this power shall be deemed to be within the Zone of the Dais which controls it for the time being.

(e) A Dais shall adopt a constitution which shall be consistent with and shall be interpreted subject to this Constitution. The constitution of a Dais shall include regulations for the formation and governing of Clubs under its control.

(f) A Dais may provide by regulations for the admission of any person who is or has been a member of Rostrum as an Associate Member. Associate Members shall not be counted as members for the purposes of sub-clauses 6. n. and 8. c.

(g) Until such time as a Dais shall adopt a Constitution under sub-clause 8(e), the Dais shall be subject to such provisions of the Australian Rostrum Constitution Issue no. 13 as amended July 1982 as continue to be applicable.

9. Annual Report

Each Dais shall forward to its constituent Clubs not later than the twenty-eighth day of February in each year a report of its activities during the preceding year, together with an audited financial statement. Each Dais shall supply to the ARC Secretary copies of the report and financial statement for forwarding to ARC members prior to the ARC Annual Meeting. The ARC shall prepare an annual national report and financial statements and circulate them to each Dais prior to the ARC Annual Meeting.

10. Freemen of Rostrum

(a) Subject to compliance with national guidelines Dais may confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum on any member who has been conspicuous in service to Rostrum or to the cause of freedom of speech and the practice of effective speaking.

(b) The title of Freeman is not lightly given and is a recognition of conspicuous service to Rostrum and its ideals with an importance which gives the holder the highest status wherever Rostrum is established.

(c) A nominee shall have contributed to the advancement of Rostrum, the promotion of Rostrum ideals or the development of the practice of effective speaking.

(d) The recommendation must be approved by Dais and unless so approved shall not go forward to the ARC

(e) A request for ARC approval to confer the title of Freeman of Rostrum shall be submitted to the ARC Secretary by the appropriate Dais President in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Constitution.

(f) Unless satisfied that a nomination does not comply with ARC guidelines, the National President shall on behalf of the ARC sign and issue a certificate of Freemanship to the originating Dais.

(g) A Freeman elect shall become a Freeman upon making the following promise before the Dais President or his deputy:

"Recognising my wider responsibilities as a Freeman, I promise to promote, by precept and example, the ideals, objects and activities of Rostrum. I will support freedom of speech, loyalty to truth, clarity of thought and a love of the English language as vital elements of effective speaking."

(h) A Dais may provide for the operation of a Council of Freemen in accordance with such terms and conditions as it may from time to time decide.

(i) Not used.

(j) A Freeman of Rostrum, visiting a Club in any Zone shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as a member of that Club, except voting rights.

(k) A Dais shall maintain a register of Freemen resident in its Zone; a Freeman shall be classified as "active" if he is a member of a Rostrum Club in that Zone and as "inactive" otherwise. An "inactive" Freeman shall be designated Freeman (retired) if he has either indicated his inability to contribute further to Rostrum or in the opinion of that Dais no longer contributes to Rostrum.

(1) Should a Freeman be expelled from Rostrum, Freemanship will automatically be revoked.

11. Amendments to this Constitution

No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a referendum of Dais members throughout Australia as follows:

(a) The Executive of any Dais may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of the Dais or any body reporting to Dais, propose an alteration to this Constitution and shall then direct the Dais Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration to each Club under its control.

(b) Upon receipt of a copy of a proposal under Sub-clause 11 (a), a Club shall give its members an opportunity to comment upon the proposal and may convey comments to its Dais Representative/s or to the Dais Secretary.

(c) At the first meeting of the Dais which is at least one month subsequent to the dispatch of copies to Clubs under Sub-clause 11 (a)., the Dais shall consider the motion that the proposed alteration be submitted to a referendum. If the proposed alteration has been submitted by a Club, the representative of that Club shall have the right to propose the motion. A Dais may deal with the motion in any way it sees fit, including amending, redrafting, referring to a committee, deferring for consideration, etc.

(d) If a motion for a referendum be carried by the Dais the Dais Secretary shall send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of ARC, and he shall then send a copy to the Secretary of each Dais.

(e) ARC may on its own initiative or on the recommendation of any body reporting to ARC propose an alteration to the Constitution and shall then direct the Secretary to send a copy of the proposed alteration together with a statement of the reasons for the alteration to the Secretary of each Dais.

(f) On receipt of a copy of a proposal under sub-clauses 11(d) or 11(e), the Secretary of each Dais shall send a copy to each Club under its control, The Club shall then arrange for a copy of the proposal to be displayed at its next two meetings.

(g) At the first meeting of each Dais which takes place at least one month after dispatch of copies to Clubs under sub-clause 11(f), a vote of members of the Dais shall be taken on the proposed alteration. Before a vote is taken the Dais may hear the comments made by Clubs to their representatives or to the Dais Secretary.

(h) The number of votes of Dais members recorded for or against the proposed alteration shall be advised by the Dais to the ARC Secretary within 7 days of the Dais meeting at which the vote was taken.

(i) Not used.

(j) The proposed alteration shall be deemed carried if the votes recorded in its favour amount to at least 2/3rds of the total votes recorded by Dais members. It shall not be necessary that there be a 2/3rds majority in each Dais. If the alteration is carried the ARC President and Secretary shall determine a date being at least one month after the date of receipt of all votes and not more than three months after such date on which the alteration shall come into force.

(k) The result of the referendum together with the date if any on which the alteration becomes effective shall be notified by the ARC Secretary to the Secretary of each Dais and then by the Dais Secretary to each Club within its Zone. Notification shall be given in time to reach all Clubs in the normal course of mail before the date on which an alteration becomes effective.

Schedule 1 to Australian Rostrum Constitution

...........Zone Dais

Date...................

The National Secretary/Treasurer

Australian Rostrum Council

Recommendation for Freemanship

I certify that the member of Rostrum described below qualifies for the title of Freeman of Rostrum in terms of the current ARC guidelines for the nomination of Freemen, and was approved for this honour by the Dais on............................ I request that the Australian Rostrum Council approves the nomination and issues the necessary certificate for presentation on ............................. when the nominee will make the Freeman's Promise.

Dais President

Second Schedule - Model By-laws

By-laws Of..........................rostrum Club No.............

1. Name

The Name of the Club Shall Be .........................................Hereinafter Called the "Club".

2. Objects

The Objects of the Club Shall Be to Provide Opportunities For, and Assistance To, Those Who Desire to Improve Themselves in the Practice of Effective Speaking Including Chairmanship and Meeting Procedure, in Accordance with the Constitution of Australian Rostrum (A.c.t Dais) Inc. (Hereafter Referred to As "The Constitution").

3. Methods

(A) Effective Speaking Shall Be Practised At Regular Club Meetings and May Include Oral Communication of the Following Types:

(I) Communication to A Group,

(Ii) Communication Within A Group (Including Chairmanship and Meeting Participation), and

(Iii) Person to Person Communication.

(B) Emphasis Shall Also Be Placed on Training in Effective Club Management.

4. Membership and Subscriptions

(A) the Number of Members of the Club Shall Not Exceed Thirty-five.

(B) the Subscription of A Member Shall Be Such Sum and Shall Be Payable At Such Time Or Times As the Club May From Time to Time Determine.

5. Admission of Members

(A) A Candidate for Membership of the Club Shall Make Application in Writing in the Form Set Out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution, Which Must Be Signed by the Applicant and the Member Nominating the Applicant.

(I) An Applicant Must Have Attended At Least One Meeting of the Club As A Visitor Before Submitting An Application for Membership.

(Ii) After the Receipt of the Application, it Shall Be Announced At the Next Meeting Which is Convenient to the Business of the Club.

(Iii) Before A Ballot on An Application is Held the Proposer Shall Have Introduced the Candidate Personally to the President and the Secretary Or Members Acting in Their Stead.

(Iv) the Application Shall Be Considered At A Meeting of the Club. At That Meeting the Qualifications for Membership of the Candidate Shall Be Made Known to the Club. The

Candidate Shall Not Be Permitted to Be Present During Discussion and Consideration of the Application. After All Members Present Have Been Allowed An Opportunity to Speak to the Application, A Ballot Shall Be Taken.

(V) the Ballot Shall Be Secret.

(Vi) Should Two-thirds Or More of the Members Present and Voting Vote in the Affirmative the Candidate Shall Be Admitted to Membership.

(Vii) At the First Opportunity After Such Ballot Which is Convenient to the President and to the Candidate, the President Or His Appointed Deputy Shall Call Upon the Candidate, If Elected, to Make the Rostrum Promise Set Out in Clause 2(d) of the Australian Rostrum Constitution, Provided That If Membership Has Reached the Limit Provided for in Clause 4(a) of this Schedule, the Candidate Shall Not Be Inducted Until A Vacancy Occurs.

(B) in the Case of A Member of Rostrum Applying to Transfer to the Club From Another Rostrum Club Pursuant to Clause 17 of the Constitution, the Procedure Shall Be As Follows:

(I) After Receipt of the Application by the Secretary it Shall Be Read At the First Regular Meeting After the Occurrence of A Vacancy in Membership.

(Ii) After the Reading of the Application for Membership it Shall Be Submitted to A Ballot in Accordance with Paragraphs (Iv),(V) and (Vi) of Sub-clause 5(a) of this

Schedule.

(Iii) the Procedure Set Out in Paragraph (Vii) of Sub-clause 5 (A) Shall Then Be Followed.

6. Termination of Membership

(A) Membership Shall Be Terminated:

(I) Upon Death Or the Acceptance of the Resignation of the Member;

(Ii) Upon Disqualification Or Expulsion From Membership of the Rostrum Club for Any Reason Whatsoever;

(B) Membership May Be Terminated by Resolution of the Club:

(I) Upon Failure Without Cause Or Excuse to Pay Within the Time Allowed by the Club Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due by A Member to the Club; Or

(Ii) Upon Absence From Three Consecutive Meetings of the Club If, in the Opinion of the Club, Such Absence is Without Reasonable Cause Or Excuse.

7. Expulsion by Dais

If Any Member in the Opinion of the Club is Considered Unfit to Continue to Be A Member of Rostrum by Reason of Any of the Grounds Set Out in Clause 18 of the Constitution, the Club May by Resolution Recommend to the Dais That the Member Be Expelled From Rostrum Pursuant to Clause 18 of the Constitution. At Least Twenty-one (21) Days Written Notice Shall Be Given to All Members of the Club of Any Meeting At Which Such A Resolution is to Be Proposed. The Notice Shall State That the Question of Whether the Membership of the Member Concerned is to Continue is to Be Considered At the Meeting.

8. Resignation

Any Person Wishing to Resign From Membership Shall Signify Such Intention in Writing to the Secretary But No Such Resignation Shall Relieve That Person From Liability for the Payment of Any Subscription, Levy Or Other Money Due Or Payable by That Person At the Date of Such Resignation.

9. Notification of Resignation

The Secretary Shall Notify the Secretary of the Dais of A Member Ceasing to Be A Member of the Club When Next Submitting A Membership Return to Dais.

10. Leave of Absence

The Club May Provide Leave of Absence for Any of its Members and May Provide for Such Remission of its Subscriptions As it Thinks Fit.

11. Office-bearers

(A) the Club Shall, in May and November of Each Year, Hold Business Meetings At Which the Following Office-bearers Shall Be Elected:

(I) President;

(Ii) Critic Or Critics;

(Iii) Secretary;

(Iv) Treasurer;

(V) Two Committeemen

(Vi) Dais Representatives Pursuant to Clause 2 of the Constitution; and

(Vii) Such Other Officers As the Club From Time to Time May Determine.

(B) the Office-bearers Other Than the Dais Representative/s Shall Hold Office for the Calendar Half Year Next Following Their Election.

(C) Dais Representatives Shall Subject to Clause 2 of the Constitution Hold Office for Two Calendar Years Next Following Their Election So That, When There Are Two Dais Representatives, One Shall Retire Each Year.

(D) the Club May At Any Time Revoke the Appointment of Any of its Representatives to the Dais.

(E) Casual Vacancies in the Office of Dais Representative Shall Be Filled by the Club. A Representative So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portion of the Term of the

Person Whose Office He Or She Assumes.

(F) No Office Other Than That of Critic Or Dais Representative May Be Held by Any Member for Two Consecutive Terms, Except by Special Dispensation Granted by Dais.

(G) All Contested Elections Shall Be by Ballot.

12. Committee

(A) the Committee of the Club Shall Comprise the Office-bearers of the Club Listed in Sub-clause 11 (A) of this Schedule and the Immediate Past President of the Club If A Member of the Club But Shall Not Include the Auditor of the Club (If Any).

(B) the Committee Shall Have Power to Fill Casual Vacancies Other Than Those of Dais Representatives and Persons So Appointed Shall Hold Office for the Unexpired Portions of the Terms of the Persons Whose Retirement Caused Such Vacancies.

(C) If An Office Bearer is Unable Or Unwilling to Discharge the Responsibilities of Office, the Committee Shall Appoint A Deputy to Act in His Or Her Stead Until Such Time As the Office Bearer Resumes the Responsibilities of the Office.

(D) the Club Or the Committee May Appoint Sub-committees. The President Shall Ex-officio Be A Member of All Sub-committees.

(E) the Committee Shall Carry Out Whatever Functions the Club From Time to Time Delegates to It.

13. Duties of Office-bearers

(A) the President Shall Be the Official Head of the Club.

(B) the Critic/s Shall Instruct and Guide the Members of the Club in the Art of Effective Speaking and Give Constructive Criticism At the Close of Each Session in Which the Art Has Been Practised.

(C) the Secretary Shall Take Proper Minutes of Any Resolutions At Each Meeting, Attend to Correspondence At the Direction of the President, Keep An Attendance Roll, and Generally Carry Out Such Other Duties As May Be Assigned to Him by the Club Or the Committee. The Secretary Shall Enter A Copy of the Treasurer's Financial Statement Referred to in Sub-clause 13(d) of this Schedule in the Minute Book of the Club.

(D) the Treasurer Shall Collect Subscriptions and Pay Accounts As Directed by the Club Or the Committee, and Shall Ensure That the Funds of the Club Are Paid Into A Bank Account and Shall Keep Such Books and Records of Receipts and Payments As May Be Directed by the Committee. The Treasurer Shall Present to One of the Two Meetings Next Following the Expiry of His Term of Office A Financial Statement for Such Term and Shall Forthwith Send A Copy Thereof to the Treasurer of the Dais. Nothing in this Paragraph Shall Prevent the Club by Resolution From Investing Any Moneys of the Club Not Immediately Required for Any of its Objects Or Purposes in Such Manner As it May From Time to Time Determine. The Income and Property of the Club, However Derived, Shall Be Applied Solely Towards the Promotion of the Objects and Purposes of Rostrum, and No Part Thereof Shall Be Paid Or Transferred Directly Or Indirectly by Way of Dividend, Bonus Or Otherwise to Any Member of Or Officer of the Club. This Subclause Shall Not Prevent:

(I) the Payment of Remuneration Or Expenses to Any Officer Or Employee of the Club Or to Any Member of Rostrum for Services Rendered to the Club;

(Ii) Payment of An Honorarium to Any Person in Recognition of Services Rendered to the Club;

(Iii) Any Member of the Club From Receiving A Grant Made in Furtherance of the Objects of Rostrum; and

(Iv) Any Member From Receiving Any Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition, Notwithstanding That Such Prize, Medal, Donation Or Other Recognition May Be Provided Wholly Or Partly From the Funds of the Club, the ARC Or Any Dais.

14. Meetings

(A) the Club Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the Club by Resolution From Time to Time Determines.

(B) the Committee Or Any Sub-committee Established Pursuant to Sub-clause 12 (D) Shall Meet At Such Intervals and At Such Times and Places As the President Or Any Person Acting in His Stead May From Time to Time Determine.

(C) If the President is Unable Or Unwilling to Call A Meeting of the Committee, Any Four Members of the Committee May Call A Meeting Provided All Members of the Committee Are Informed As to the Time, Venue and Subject Matter to Be Considered.

(D) Minutes Shall Be Kept At All Meetings Held Pursuant to this Clause.

15. Quorum

No Business Other Than Practice in the Art of Effective Speaking Shall Be Transacted At Any Meeting of the Club Or the Committee Unless A Quorum of Members is Present At the Time the Meeting Proceeds to Business.

(A) Unless Otherwise Agreed by the Dais, A Quorum of the Club Shall Be Ten Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Twenty Or More and Seven Members Personally Present When the Number of Members of the Club is Fewer Than Twenty.

(B) A Quorum of the Committee Shall Be Four Members Personally Present.

16. Visitors

Members Shall Be Entitled to Invite Visitors to Accompany Them to Meetings. Visitors Shall Be Introduced to the Meeting and Shall Be Permitted to Speak At the Invitation of the Chairman. Notwithstanding the Foregoing, A Visitor Who is A Freeman of Rostrum Shall Be Entitled to the Same Rights and Privileges As A Member of the Club Except Voting Rights.

17. Winding Up

(A) the Club May Be Wound Up by Resolution At A Meeting Convened for That Purpose by Written Notice to Members.

(B) Any Surplus Property Held At the Time of Dissolution of the Club Shall Be Applied Firstly in Paying Any Liability of the Club Other Than to the Dais; Secondly in Paying Any Monies Owing by the Club to the Dais; and the Remainder of Any Property Shall Vest in the Dais and May Be Reserved, At the Discretion of the Dais, for Purposes Related to the Establishment Or Re-establishment of A Rostrum Club in the Act Zone.

18. Amendment of By-laws

No Amendment of These By-laws Shall Be Submitted to the Dais for Approval Unless it Has Been Passed by Resolution, Notice of Which Has Been Given by Announcement At Each of Two Preceding Meetings of the Club, Or by Written Notice to Members.

THIRD SCHEDULE - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF ROSTRUM

I,.......................................................hereby apply to be admitted to membership of............................... .Rostrum Club............... In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this...............day of....................20

Signature of Applicant.............................................

Surname...............................................................

Given Names (in full)..........................................................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private).................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private.........................

I.........................................................being a member of......................................Rostrum Club................... hereby nominate...................................................................as a candidate for admission to membership of the club. The candidate has attended the club as a visitor prior to the submission of this nomination and I consider him/her to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to membership.

Dated this................day of........................ 19

(Signature of Proposer)

Date application received .........../........../.............

Date applicant admitted as a member .........../........../.............

Signature of Secretary............................................

Signature of President............................................

FOURTH SCHEDULE - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

I......................................................being a member of............................ Rostrum Club............of the.................. Zone hereby apply to be admitted to membership of..................................... .Rostrum Club................of the ACT Zone. In consideration of my election to membership I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Constitution for Rostrum in the ACT Zone and the by-laws contained therein.

Dated this................day of.......................... 20

Signature of Applicant.....................................................

Surname............................................................................

Given Names (in full)........................................................

Address (business)...............................................................................................

Address (Private)..................................................................................................

Telephone Numbers: Business............................ Private..........................

I certify that...............................................................is a financial member of Rostrum Club of....................................................the...................Zone.

Signature of transferor club President.................................................

Date application received.....................................................................

Date applicant admitted as a member..................................................

Signature of transferee club Secretary.................................................

Signature of transferee club President.................................................

AUSTRALIAN ROSTRUM (ACT DAIS) INCORPORATED

Regulations

These Regulations are made pursuant to powers conferred upon the Dais by clause 16 of the Constitution for Australian Rostrum (ACT Dais) Inc, hereinafter referred to as "the Constitut