On 17 January 2026, the Permanent Section of Council General International approved amendments to Part III of The Rule proposed by Australia’s National Council, marking an important milestone in strengthening how the Society in Australia organises and governs our shared mission.

The new Part III of The Rule will take effect in Australia from 1 July 2026. A PDF version is already available on the National Council website for Members and supporters to read and reflect on.

From March to June 2026, briefings will be held for State and Territory Council Members, directors of related bodies corporate and Executive Leadership Teams to walk through key changes and what they mean in practice.

In parallel, Town Halls for Society Members are being planned for June 2026, both online and in person, offering a chance for Society Members and interested volunteers and staff to hear an overview of the changes and to ask questions.

Each State and Territory has also nominated an Ambassador to act as a first point of contact for questions about how particular Articles or Procedures apply in real situations.

The Rule Review Ambassadors are:

• Kerry Muir - NSW
• Corey McGrath - TAS
• Mark Jaksa - SA
• Belinda Becker - WA
• John Feint - C-G
• Samantha Woodland - QLD
• Ken Northwood - VIC
• Kay Fitzpatrick - NT

Procedures to accompany Part III of The Rule are expected to be finalised by 9 April 2026 and will be available in a booklet that will sit alongside the full revised version of The Rule when it is released in July 2026, while the Appendices, which contain links to key reference documents, will be available online only.

Visit The Rule to find more information, dates for Town Halls and to register online.