Party Structure

Separation of powers
The Pirate Party's Constitution divides governance of the Party between the members, administrative officers and Dispute Resolution Committee. The members are responsible for determining policies, amending the Party Constitution and electing Party officials. Officers make decisions relating to the daily affairs of the Pirate Party. The Dispute Resolution Committee is the last resort for resolving internal disputes and interpreting the Party Constitution.

Members
The members of Pirate Party Australia ultimately determine the direction of the Party. Pirate Party Australia has two levels of membership, established by the Party Constitution.

Full Members
Full members are entitled to be elected to all formal positions, stand as candidates, submit policy and constitutional amendment proposals, participate in policy and issue discussion and debate, join working groups and committees, and vote at meetings, National Congresses and policy formulation, development and adoption proceedings.

Associate Members
Associate members have the same entitlements as Full Members, but may not be elected to the National Council or Dispute Resolution Committee, lead committees, vote directly or stand in elections. Associate Membership is intended for those who cannot be Full Members in accordance with electoral laws in Australia.

National Council
The Party is governed at a federal level by the National Council that makes decisions relating to the party's day-to-day operation. The National Council is responsible for organising the National Congress, funding campaigns, providing resources, making sure the Party complies with electoral laws and so on. The National Council consists of nine members, eight of which are currently directly elected at the National Congress by all eligible members: President, Secretary, Treasurer (and their three deputies), Registered Officer and two Councillors. The National Congress votes to provide a number of candidates for Registered Officer, from which the other eight members select the final appointee.

Dispute Resolution Committee
The Dispute Resolution Committee has two main functions: arbitrating serious disputes between members, and making rulings on how the Party Constitution is to be interpreted. The Dispute Resolution Committee may only become involved in a dispute if the members have been unable to resolve the dispute between themselves and appeals to the Deputy President have not resolved the dispute either. Although the Dispute Resolution Committee has very limited powers, the National Council must abide by its decisions, as must all subordinate party bodies, and the members themselves.

State and Territory Coordinators
State and Territory Coordinators are appointed by the National Council. Coordinators are a conduit between the National Council and the members of a state or territory, and have duties including organising monthly state or territory meetings, attending general meetings and National Council meetings online, and ultimately leading their state or territory towards becoming a formal, registered branch of Pirate Party Australia.

State and Territory Branches
Some states and territories will eventually evolve from having informal local gatherings to being able to form a registered branch. These are founded on a constitution of their own, but remain subordinate to the federal party, the National Council and the Dispute Resolution Committee. A branch will have its own State or Territory Council, which will take over the responsibility of the former State or Territory Coordinator.

Policy Development Officer
The Policy Development Officer leads the Policy Development Committee in preparing policy proposal for vote at a National Congress or similar meeting. The position is elected by the members at a National Congress, and answers directly to the National Council.

Other Officers
Other officers are appointed as necessary by the National Council.