[Linux-aus] Proposed constitutional changes: bringing membership in line with current practices

[Mary Gardiner]

Here's the diffs:

"""
 === 3. Nomination for membership ===

  (1)    A nomination of a person for membership of the association:
  -* (a)    must be made by a member of the association in writing in the form set out in Appendix 1 to this constitution, and
  +* (a)    must be made by the prospective member of the association in writing in such a form as may be specified by the committee from time to time, and
   * (b)    must be lodged with the secretary of the association.
   -(2)    As soon as practicable after receiving a nomination for membership, the secretary must refer the nomination to the committee which is to determine whether to approve or to reject the nomination.
   +(2)    As soon as practicable after receiving a nomination for membership, the secretary must determine whether to approve or reject the application or refer the nomination to the committee which is to determine whether to approve or to reject the nomination.
    (3)    As soon as practicable after the committee makes that determination, the secretary must:
     * (a)    notify the nominee, in writing, that the committee approved or rejected the nomination (whichever is applicable), and
      * (b)    if the committee approved the nomination, request the nominee to pay (within the period of 28 days after receipt by the nominee of the notification) the sum payable under this constitution by a member as entrance fee and annual subscription.
       (4)    The secretary must, on payment by the nominee of the amounts referred to in subclause (3) (b) within the period referred to in that provision, enter or cause to be entered the nominee’s name in the register of members and, on the name being so entered, the nominee becomes a member of the association.
"""

This is in our current constitution already and matches current practice: no
one has to be *nominated* for membership, they just apply on their own.
Likewise, the Council rarely (never?) actually approves membership, it's fairly
automatic.

"""
 === 6. Resignation of membership ===

 -(1)    A member of the association may resign from membership of the association by first giving to the secretary written notice of at least one month (or such other period as the committee may determine) of the member’s intention to resign and, on the expiration of the period of notice, the member ceases to be a member.
 +(1)    A member of the association may resign from membership of the association by first giving to the secretary written notice of the member’s intention to resign and, on receipt of the notice by the secretary, the member ceases to be a member. The secretary is required to reply in writing within 5 business days confirming the date of receipt and of resignation taking effect.
  (2)    If a member of the association ceases to be a member under subclause (1), and in every other case where a member ceases to hold membership, the secretary must make an appropriate entry in the register of members recording the date on which the member ceased to be a member.
"""

This is in our current constitution already: there's no need to give a month's
notice to quit LA, one can just do it.

-Mary