Minutes/National Council/2018-02-05

Meeting Minutes

This document is a record of a meeting. Do not edit this document without contacting the relevant group first.

Start: 21:02 AEDT (10:02 UTC) End: 22:34 AEDT (11:34 UTC)

Attendance

Emily noted Tim Serong had stepped down
Peter mentioned thanks were sent in email by various members
Peter commented that there were a distinct lack of Tasmanian Pirates available to fill the position at the moment as both Tom and He were on the NC
Emily suggested that there wasn't much point right now appointing a local coordinator for Tasmania

Simon stated that if we want to move on this we had to move fast.
Simon further stated that he wasn't so concerned about preselection, perhaps the energy could be better spent readying for a full election
Mark mentioned that a full federal election is better for awareness raising
Peter mentioned that he wasn't sure if potential candidates must be eligible before submission to AEC or before polls open
Simon stated that if anyone wants it to happen, now is the time to volunteer
Peter said it would be good experience for the NC getting things organised for a campaign
Simon mentioned that Lachlan, our previous Vic candidate, might be able to be convinced to stand but it was no certainty
JohnA wondered if support would happen if someone put their hand up
Miles said he has some friends in Melbourne who may be able to assist
General agreement that a request for candidates and campaign volunteers go out.
JohnJ suggested a two week process, Simon commented that there was too little time.

Peter expressed some concern about the apparent lack of transparency over vetting for compliance with s44(i) of the Australian Federal Constitution. He wanted to track down the latest procedure for doing such.
Frew provided the following links
- https://pirateparty.org.au/2016/04/29/pre-selection-meeting-and-candidate-nominations/
- https://pirateparty.org.au/2016/05/09/preselection-ballot-results-for-2016-federal-election-candidates/
Peter mentioned he hadn't previously found those links whilst searching
Simon said it wouldn't be an issue at a by-election as we wouldn't win
Peter expressed concern that we may carry preferences that influence a win
Peter mentioned that no matter what procedure we come up with, it may be wise to check it with a constitutional lawyer
Simon expressed the opinion that there is no point checking with such a lawyer until the matter is fully settled in the High Court
Peter suggested NC members start making friends with local constitutional lawyers
Simon suggested a possible crowdfund to share legal advice with other small progressive parties

Peter suggested utilising the IRC bot 'Supybot' which is used by a number of very large Open Source projects to help manage meetings.
Peter wanted to check if he could just implement for NC or have to go through IT crew
Simon suggested as long as he doesn't have to sit through a discussion, he was OK as long at was pretty straight forward.

Peter requested Emily write and send out the email to the membership as per the motion for candidates and volunteers for Batman.

MOTION: Accept the minutes from previous PPAU meeting on 29 January 2018
- Put by: Emily Sievers
  - Ayes: (Peter Lawler, Simon Frew, Miles Whiticker, Mark Gibbons, Emily Sievers, John August, John Jeffery) Nays: () Abstain: ( Alex Jago )
  - Motion carried.

MOTION: Formally thank Tim Serong for his excellent work and dedication helping PPAU in Tasmania
- Put by: Emily Sievers
  - Ayes: ( Emily Sievers, Simon Frew, John Jeffery, John August, Peter Lawler, Alex Jago, Mark Gibbons ) Nays: ( ) Abstain: ()
  - Motion carried.

MOTION: A call for volunteers and candidates for the forthcoming Batman by-election be made on the mail list tomorrow, requiring candidate submission by midnight Saturday Evening and that if any candidate presents, the NC to meet the following Monday (2018-02-12) to discuss vetting
- Put by: Emily Sievers
  - Ayes: ( Emily Sievers, John August, John Jeffrey, Miles Whiticker, Alex Jago, Simon Frew, Mark Gibbons, Peter Lawler ) Nays: () Abstain: ()
  - Motion carried.

MOTION: close meeting
- Put by: Emily Sievers
  - Ayes: (Peter Lawler, Emily Sievers, Alex Jago, Simon Frew, Mark Gibbons, Miles Whiticker, John Jeffery, John August) Nays: ( ) Abstain: ( )
  - Motion carried.

MOTION: That PPAU stands a candidate in the Batman by-election, pending the existence of a candidate (to be determined by a Call for Candidates and subsequent voting if required) and at least 10 on-the-day volunteers (to be determined by a Call for Volunteers). Both Calls to be put out ASAP and closing 7 days later.
- Put by: Alex Jago
  - Ayes: (Alex Jago, Simon Frew, Emily Sievers, Miles Whiticker, Tom Randle) Nays: (Peter Lawler) Abstain: ( )
  - Motion carried.