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Q: What value does ASIBA membership have for SMEs?
A: ASIBA represents its membership equally. While some aspects of its role may seem to benefit one sector over another, this is usually balanced out over time. For example, ASIBA has consistently supported the position of SMEs in negotiations with governments, despite the fact that in its early days it was dominated by the larger players in the industry. Its submission to the review of CSIRO s External Earnings Targets Policy centred on the impact of this policy on SMEs. Similarly, ASIBA fought long and hard to ensure that SMEs are represented on the Spatial Information Industry CRC. ASIBA is also pursuing opportunities to work with government to formulate a model for government interaction with SMEs particularly as it applies to government contracts.
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Q: Do large firms dominate the Board of Directors?
A: The voting system - “one firm one vote” - ensures that no sectoral interest dominates the Board of Directors. In reality, smaller firms determine the make-up of the Board by virtue of their numerical superiority in the Association. However, the purpose of electing a Board of Directors is to ensure that the best people serve the industry body. There would be no greater failure than for the industry to be divided along secular grounds based on size, profession or state.
Q: When will ASIBA become involved in state politics?
A: ASIBA is already active in negotiations with state governments and agencies. ASIBA has demonstrated a willingness to negotiate rather than to dictate; it is working with governments to achieve the aims and objectives set out in the Action Agenda, rather than against them. ASIBA hopes to have a regular and proactive role in state as well as federal politics.
Q: What is ASIBA doing to address state issues?
A: Until ASIBA reaches a critical mass of membership it must rely heavily on volunteer Regional Management Groups (RMGs). These Groups will meet on an “as needed” basis to identify issues to be addressed. It will be important for RMGs to be aware of ASIBA s views on government relations and to adopt a consistent approach. In short, ASIBA does not attack governments. It does not “use” the opposition to drive its position. ASIBA adopts a collegiate approach to government relations - this will ensure that the interests of all members are taken into account. ASIBA s CEO is available to assist on state-specific matters following briefings from the local management committee. A local member, or members as appropriate, may be nominated to assist the CEO when dealing with state governments. At all times, members must appreciate that ASIBA is an apolitical Association.
Q: When was ASIBA formed?
A: While ASIC s official records will show that ASIBA was incorporated on 3 July 2001 it had been functioning as an organisation for some months prior to incorporation. In fact, ASIBA was founded on 20 December 2000 at a meeting of industry stakeholder associations who unanimously agreed that there was a need for a business association to represent the private sector of the spatial information industry.
Q: Who elected the Inaugural Board of Directors?
A: The first Board of Directors was not elected. A meeting of industry stakeholders met in Adelaide on 9 February 2001and resolved to appoint the seven private sector members of the Spatial Information Industry Action Agenda (SIIAA) Steering Group as the interim Board of Directors of the new Association. This meeting also instructed these seven people to appoint a further five Directors, taking into account the need to give balance to the Board. The rationale for the methodology of appointment was that the Association was not yet formed, so someone had to do it. The Minister selected the seven industry members of the SIIAA Steering Group because they were regarded as “industry champions”.
Q: How long did the inaugural Board sit?
A: The meeting of industry stakeholders agreed that the inaugural Board should sit for 12 months from the date of the meeting in Adelaide. However, due to lateness of incorporation of the Association, the Board served until the Annual General Meeting, which was held in October 2002. This extended period was consistent with the requirements of the Corporations Law and was necessary for normal corporate processes to be put in place and for there to be an audit of the Association's accounts.
Q: What is the process for electing the Boards of Directors?
A: The first elected Board of Directors followed the rules set down in the Constitution. That is, there were nine Directors elected from the Association membership following receipt of nominations. Once elected, the nine Directors decided by ballot the period of service of each of the Directors. Three served for 3 years, three for 2 years and three for one year. At all subsequent and future elections, each director is or was elected for three years. This method ensures continuity and experience on the Board. The Board of Directors may appoint a further two Directors at its discretion. Each member firm has one vote regardless of the size of the firm.
Q: Is representation on the Board of Directors onerous?
A: It is the intention of the Association to pay all Directors an honorarium (sitting fee). However, this will not be possible until funds are sufficient to support the Association. The Chairman will receive a greater share of any fee due to the greater demands of the position. The purpose of the fee is to recognise the commitment of those who volunteer to the enterprises of all member firms. It recognises the sacrifices made by those firms whose officers who serve the industry for the benefit of all. The fee also places on Directors an obligation to perform, and appropriate performance criteria will be set for the Board of Directors.
Q: How do members contribute to industry position statements?
A: ASIBA follows a simple representational model. Where a member, staff or elected official identifies an issue, the Association will establish an Issue Forum. Any member firm may nominate one or more people from its own organisation or from elsewhere to serve on an Issue Forum. Every member may participate in the process of developing an Industry Position Statement. A member can contribute as much or as little as is reasonable for them to manage. An Issue Forum is not a permanent committee. The recommendations of an Issue Forum will generally become “industry position”.
Q: How does the Association manage conflict of interest?
A: Every Association must manage the risk of conflict of interest. ASIBA's Directors must disclose any conflict or interest in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Law. Where Directors, or those others involved in the activities of the Association, encounter a conflict or potential conflict of interest they must inform the Board and the Company Secretary and where necessary disqualify themselves from taking part in activities where such conflict lies. The very nature of the activities of the Association will place members who participate in positions where they may benefit from special knowledge or profile. This is normal and part and parcel of the attraction of serving the industry. However, all information available to the Board or any person acting on behalf of the Association, unless specifically stated to be confidential, shall be made available to all members.
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Q: What is the nature of the relationship between Consulting Surveyors Australia and ASIBA?
A: ASIBA is an independently incorporated body under the Corporations Law. It is governed by a Board of Directors who have an obligation to conduct its business in the best interests of the Association and its members. The close relationship with the Association of Consulting Surveyors Australia (ACSA) was both historical and necessary. It was ACSA that initiated discussions with the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources to implement an Action Agenda. Similarly, it was ACSA that provided its resources (National CEO and Queensland CEO) to develop the ASIBA Constitution and By-laws. ACSA also very generously provided its resources, on a fee for service basis, to support ASIBA during its formative period. Since that time much has happened. The members of ACSA resolved to wind-up the association and to pass over to ASIBA all of its assets. The process of winding up ACSA has been completed.
Q: How does ASIBA communicate with its members?
A: Through ASIBA s website, members can access information and services. Other important information and news is e-mailed to all member firms as it becomes available. The website also has a comprehensive tender alert facility, which is updated regularly. Members may also directly access the Chief Executive Officer and Board members at any time.
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