Exec FAQ #1 - What's the deal with OUSA Referendum's?
by Harriet Geoghegan on Wednesday 4th April, 2011.
If you have a burning question for the OUSA Executive, email president@ousa.org.nz and we will post a response soon (there are a number of questions waiting to be posted).
Q: What are OUSA Referendum’s all about?
A: As OUSA is an incorporated society owned by students for students, OUSA needs to take direction from students. Although there is an Executive of 10 students elected each year to govern the association, certain decision making powers are reserved for the student body and the Incorporated Societies Act requires the student body to vote on certain things. Normally, two referendums are held per year – one in each semester. More can be called as required. The first semester referendum must present the Audited Accounts and Annual Report from the previous year for approval (like an AGM of a company), must appoint the Honorary Solicitor and Honorary Auditors and the second semester referendum must present a budget for the student body to approve (including setting levies). As well as those key functions, referenda are an opportunity for students to request that OUSA take a particular stance (pass a motion that OUSA oppose/support something e.g. supporting interest free loans). The only way that the constitution can be amended is by a 2/3 majority vote in a referendum.
Each referendum must have a live debate that is filmed and made available on our website before online voting opens, to allow students to make an informed choice. We also try our best to encourage Critic to report fully on each referendum.
The next referendum this year is in mid-late May (the Executive must wait for the audited accounts to be completed before setting a date).
For all of the rules follow this link to view the OUSA Constitution:
http://www.ousa.org.nz/downloads/Constitution-July-Referendum.pdf
Existing external policy motions can be found here:
http://www.ousa.org.nz/your-executive/policies/
Ngā mihi, nā Harriet
Harriet Geoghegan
President
Comments
Comments (2)
Gytha, Wednesday 14th September, 2011
You got to push it-this essetnial info that is!