Members determine the way forward

Published: 10 August 2009

By Desley Geraghty-Rudd, QNU President

Member activism is a key ingredient of democracy. That’s why it was so fantastic to see over 220 members actively participating in our democratic processes at QNU Annual Conference last month.

Conference is the body responsible for the formulation of policy governing the QNU, and the future activities of our Union are determined at this event.

At Conference members participated in three days of discussion and debate around the Union’s directions and policies and heard from a range of interesting speakers on current issues affecting nurses and midwives and our profession (click here for more information).

Elected delegates who attended were able to put forward motions on behalf of their branch. The motions developed by local branches were grouped according to the seven strategic objectives set out in our Strategic Plan, which include direction and focus, organisational, industrial, professional, social, political and democratic.

Motions from each branch were sent to the QNU nine weeks prior to the start of Conference. All branches were then sent the full list of motions to enable them to form a position on each one. Branches then instructed their delegates to Conference how they must vote on their behalf. This process ensures the widest possible input from members in determining the policies and activities of the QNU over the next year.

At Conference all motions become agenda items for debate. Branches have the opportunity to speak for or against the motion as well as amend the motion before a vote of all delegates occurs. Over 90 items were debated and voted on.

The decisions of Conference are then referred to QNU Council for ratification and implementation. In between Conferences, Council meets to oversee the implementation of these decisions and does all the things necessary to achieve the objectives of our Strategic Plan.

Each Conference also elects members to the Industrial and Professional Policy Committee, which operates between Conference to assist with the development of policies in accordance with Conference decisions.

This year Conference also elected delegates to the ANF National Conference (this occurs every two years).

Annual Conference provided a great forum for branch delegates to consult with the Secretary and Assistant Secretary, Councillors and Executive Officers on the activities of our Union and hear how we’re working to promote and defend the interests of all QNU members.

I look forward to working on Council over the next year to ensure we represent and advance members’ best interests as determined by members themselves.

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