Dear all,
It is with dismay that I read your posting, Reg. I too, am a member of both
BOCA and BA.
A major point of fact that some people have overlooked is this: BOCA
approached BA to form an amalgamation, NOT THE REVERSE! It is obvious that
the CEO of the merged organisation will be the current CEO of BA. The
current CEO of BOCA is presently working as a volunteer (my belief is that
this is to ease some financial pressure on BOCA - I could be wrong).
However, the governing board of the merged organisation, BirdLife Australia,
will not be dominated by BA, but will be drawn from both organisations, and
will change following a prescribed formula, over several years headed up by
an independent Chairman, Gerard Earley. Formal elections will not take
place until this transition period has passed, i.e. 2015. Both BOCA and BA
are very sensitive to the many issues that will have to be resolved, in the
event of a successful merger.
It is in the interests of both BOCA and BA.to create a stronger united body
that, it is hoped, will also have a louder voice on conservation issues.
So, Reg, I urge YOU to reconsider your position and post a "For" vote for
the merger.
Regards
Shirley Cook
(yes, Secretary/Treasurer of Birds Australia - Northern NSW)
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