The Constitution and Bylaws of the Genealogical Society of Queensland were written in 1986 when the Society was incorporated.

About 12 months ago, a sub-committee, chaired by our Vice President, Margaret Coleman, was formed to review the Constitution with the aim of making it easier for members to interpret and more relevant to today’s Society. The sub-committee comprised three members of the management committee, as well as a representative of Southern Suburbs branch.

There were two options for the review: (i) The Society could completely re-write its Constitution in ‘plain English’; or (ii) adopt the Model Rules for Incorporated Associations written by the Office of Fair Trading, Department of Justice and Attorney General, with some minor changes to reflect the Society’s identity and membership. The Rules were to be supplemented by Bylaws, where the Society’s operations differ from the Model Rules.

After extensive discussions, the sub-committee recommended the second option. The Model Rules have been reviewed and minor insertions made. Some existing Bylaws have been recommended for repeal, some will be amended, and some new Bylaws will be proposed to provide for issues covered in our existing Constitution, but not in the Model Rules.

Consultation with members and branches will take place over the next few months. The consultation dates are:

• Redlands Branch - 8 June at 11.45am
• Bayside Branch - 10 June at 9.15am
• North Brisbane Branch - 13 June at 7.45pm
• Southern Suburbs Branch - 20 June at 7.30pm
• Beaudesert Branch - 22 June at at 9.15am
• GSQ 38 Fisher Street - 2 July at 10.30am

A copy of the Draft Constitution is attached, together with the old constitution. Comments are welcome by by 8 July, with a view to having the new Constitution passed at our Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2011.