Constitution
1. The aims of EOPHEA are as follows:
1.1 To facilitate communication and the sharing of professional knowledge amongst equal opportunity practitioners and their representative bodies.
1.2 To initiate and contribute to discussions of equal opportunity and affirmative action issues in national forums and make recommendations on policy matters to decision-marking bodies including government authorities and the higher education sector.
1.3 To liaise with organisations with similar professional aims.
1.4 To facilitate the organisation of a national conference, to be held as often as appropriate.
2. All equal opportunity practitioners or equivalent staff members in post-secondary education institutions covered by the Equal Employment Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act are members of EOPHEA by virtue of their employment unless they choose to opt out of the association by notice in writing to that effect. Equal opportunity practitioners in post-secondary education includes persons dealing with staff and student equity, disability, diversity, Indigenous employment, family-friendly initiatives and a range of issues of social justice.
3. The Executive
3.1 The executive shall be constituted by nomination of a member of each state and territory group of equal opportunity practitioners in higher education to serve a term of two years with eligibility to be re-nominated for a further term or terms.
3.2 Where a member of the executive ceases for any reason during his or her term to be a member, the relevant state or territory group of equal opportunity practitioners shall nominate another person from their group to serve out the remainder of the term of that member.
3.3 The function of the executive shall be to facilitate the aims of the EOPHEA through regular consultation with its members.
3.4 The nominated member from within each state or territory shall be responsible for consultation with the other members of that state or territory, and for advancing the representative view of the members of that state or territory.
3.5 Members attending the Annual General Meeting will appoint a National Convener to sign correspondence on behalf of EOPHEA, to coordinate national activities as appropriate and to report annually to members. The newly elected National Convenor may appoint one or more Deputy National Convenors to assist them in their role. The National Convenor will, within one month of their appointment, advise EOPHEA members of the appointment of any Deputy National Convenor/s and will outline their respective duties and the appropriate communication protocols.
4. Ratification and amendment
This constitution was ratified by majority vote of those present at the national meeting of EOPHEA in New South Wales on 22 September 1993 and may be amended by majority vote of those present at subsequent national meetings.
22 September 1993
Amended 26 October 2005