AusIMM Congress 2023 summary notes for international members.

Regulations;

The responsibilities of Congress are a) advising the Board on the governance and strategic direction of the Institute, b) assisting the Board in the implementation of the governance and strategic direction of the Institute; and c) any additional responsibilities prescribed by the Board. Note also that the Board is not bound to follow the advice of congress. [2018 by-Laws part 2.2] The delegates to congress include the chair (or nominee) of each Branch and Society. Note that the by-law defines a “Branch” as a geographically based group of members, and that the AusIMM web site includes the “International Branch” on its web site [Member directory (ausimm.com) ]

The AusIMM manual formally defines Branch as;

The term ‘Branch’ is used to describe a group of AusIMM members who reside within the same locality and for which a formal committee structure has been established, with the aim of delivering the AusIMM’s objectives to members within the region. Rules relating to the establishment, management and operations of Branches are governed by By-Law 30. Also- All Branches have a set of rules which are approved by the AusIMM Board and which form the guidelines for the operation of each Branch.

Past congress meetings have included nominal parties to represent the interests of the international members, through an array of Australians with a modest exposure to international professional geoscience work. Such representatives typically have tendered to be passive observers at best. The 2023 Congress does not seem to have included any international representation.

2023 Congress

In mid-October 2023, the AusIMM congress was held in Melbourne at great expense over 2 days and a formal “information pack” distributed to Communities of Interest” [COI] mid-November. The contents include; opening session, strategic reflections, pathways to improved community engagement, overview of policy and advocacy, professional standards, education and courses, future workforce plus a number of appendixes of selected presentations.

The 2023 defining strategy is; “To deliver world class professional development for our members and resources professionals globally, through a significant enhanced digital presence”

Indeed, the summary pack includes a strong overall tendency towards more online activity that would be a welcome direction for most international members. ?

The Congress 2023 summary document implies that members interested to learn more about this Congress summary document, or other matters, to contact the member engagement team of Miriam Way ([email protected] ) or Mark James ([email protected] ).

Way forward.

One key stated reflection of the 2023 Congress is that “The AusIMM always has been, and always will be, a member-based organization” Perhaps the Congress participation and experience for international members of the AusIMM may be enhanced;

1)???? A request to be a change in notification from 1 to 2- or 3-months prior notice of an approaching congress, to allow Branches & COI’s time to reach out with their communities on matters to be brought to Congress.

2)???? That the international members (comprise 20 – 30% of members) be represented in a manner that respects their potential to provide meaningful strategic direction to the Board.

3)???? That member experience be enhanced through the digital medium to allow all members (international and Australian) to attend the 2-day event through zoom / YouTube or other platform (perhaps listen only mode, but open to chat room).

Outlook;

It is hoped these short personal notes on the AusIMM congress will lead to discussion, and a more inclusive future for international members.