News from the Secretary, October 2005

Management Committee—call for nominations
At the AGM on 26 November, under the Constitution, the Management Committee is subject to reappointment. I am therefore calling for nominations from any member who wishes to serve. Since we were formed in 2001 there has not been an election, presumably because members are satisfied with our efforts. In maintaining an effective committee we have tried to attract Committee members from all states and territories in accordance with the Constitution. This year our priority is to find a representative in NSW (yes we are still searching!) and to have a student representative. Nominations must be lodged with the secretary 2 weeks prior to the AGM, see Constitution at www.dea.org.au item 5.3

Tax deductibility for donations
We are now in receipt of a “Certificate of Entry” into the Register of Environmental Organizations signed by Minister Campbell. This means that donations made to the “The DEA Fund” are tax deductible. What does this mean for members? We expect that the basic membership fee will remain at $42 because we believe this is an amount allowable as a tax deduction for most practicing members. For those members who give more than $42, the excess will now be regarded as a tax deductible donation. The membership subscription section of the web page is being redesigned to effect these changes. The proposals will be put for approval at the meeting in Canberra on November 26th

What does this mean for DEA? We have gone through this long and arduous process of applying for tax deductibility, firstly in order to increase our income—and we hope members will rise to the occasion, and secondly to be able to apply to Foundations for grants. It is a condition of application for grants that the applicant must have tax deductibility. Why do we need more money? We are an Incorporated body and have to fulfill the rules, meetings, procedure, membership lists and payments, accounting etc. This involves an increasing amount of administration which takes time away from Committee members doing what you want them to do—see Ministers and politicians and educate the public. Therefore our first priority may be to raise enough money to obtain part time secretarial help for a few hours each week. This will be discussed at the meeting in Canberra

Forest policy
The revised policy is now on the web page and will be put forward for adoption at the AGM. We hope that all final changes have been made but if there are any concerns please communicate them to me before the meeting

AGM in Canberra Nov 26th
We would like intimations of attendance from more members. We recognize that on this occasion we are not holding the AGM in association with a scientific meeting which makes a visit to Canberra just for the DEA AGM a tall order, but we are hoping for a good response from the Canberra members (only one acceptance so far)

Posters in Doctors Surgeries project
There has been a good response from members wishing to participate and we remind all members and their colleagues that they can register to participate at www.dea.org.au . The posters are at present under design and drafts of the accompanying leaflets are completed