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Constitution

MISSION STATEMENT

The principal aims of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Incorporated (APRI Inc.) are to promote the development, for the public benefit, of the Institute as a professional body comprising members concerned with the science and technology of polymers in academic, research, commercial and administrative capacities, and to enhance polymer education and training.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the APRI Inc. are to promote the development of polymer science and technology; to encourage the development of education and training of managers, chemists, scientists, physicists, engineers, technologists and others employed in the polymer industries; to confer qualifications and awards as a means of recognising and raising the status of suitably qualified persons; to promote the dissemination of polymer science and technology knowledge through meetings, seminars and publications; and to carry out activities for voluntary and charitable purposes.

Foundation of the Institute

The Institution of the Rubber Industry (IRI) was founded in England in 1921, and the Australasian Section of the IRI was set up by a group of notable Australian rubber industry personnel, including G.N. Milne and J.A. Smithson, in 1945.

The Plastics and Rubber Institute (PRI) was formed in 1975 by an amalgamation of the IRI and the Plastics Institute (also, like the IRI, founded in England, but in 1931). The PRI thus became the largest international professional society in the world devoted to providing a service for personnel employed in the plastics, rubber and allied industries.

Following the amalgamation of the PRI (UK), the Institute of Metals, and the Institute of Ceramics, to form the Institute of Materials (IoMat), the Australasian section of the PRI voted in December 1992 to disassociate from the IoMat to become the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Incorporated (APRI Inc.). The formation of an independent Institute was felt necessary to maintain and improve the services offered to members in Australasian.

The APRI Inc. comprises members who are represented by State based co-ordinators and an Australasian Council. The Council acts as a national governing body and is made up of representatives from each of the States.

The Australasian Council and state co-ordinators principally devote their time to organising lectures, meetings, and technology conventions; to recruiting and improving technical education; and especially to keeping in touch with members and dealing with the multitude of tasks involved in the management and operation of an eminent professional Institute.

RULES OF THE INSTITUTE

The constitution and operation of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Incorporated (APRI Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Institute) shall at all times be in accordance with these Rules.

Rule 1. Name

The Institute shall be known as the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Inc. and shall be governed by Australasian Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council) constituted according to Rule 3 (below).

Rule 2. Membership

(a) The Institute shall include all members irrespective of membership class and place of residence. Grades of individual membership of the Institute will be decided by council from time to time and are currently as follows:

Ordinary

Associate (AAPRI)

Fellow (FAPRI)

Concession (Student, Retiree)

Corporate

The above grades are defined in the accompanying "Regulations for Membership".

(a) Application for membership must be made on the prescribed form and lodged with the Treasurer or Secretary accompanied by the prescribed fee. Applications received will be submitted at the next council meeting or by interim approval. The Secretary should write to the applicant advising acceptance or rejection of the application.

(b) A person who applies and is approved for membership as provided in these Rules is eligible to be a member of the Institute on payment of the initial and annual subscription payable under these Rules.

(i) is not capable of being transferred or transmitted to another person without Council approval; and

(ii) terminates upon the cessation of membership whether by death, resignation or otherwise.

Rule 3. Management

The government of the Institute shall be conducted by the Council constituted as follows:

(a) Officers

The Chairman

The Secretary

The Treasurer

2 or more ordinary members – who can act as state co-ordinators

(b) Co-opted Members

As the Council sees fit for the betterment of the Institute, other voting, non-voting or non-members may be co-opted to augment the Council as a temporary measure or for specific purposes in connection with the activities of the Council. This may include state co-ordinators.

(c) Voting Rights

At the meetings of the Council each member present shall have one vote, and provision shall be made so that absent members may appoint a proxy who shall vote on their behalf. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his vote as a member.

(d) Custody of Records

Except as is otherwise provided for in these rules,

(i) The Treasurer shall keep in custody or under control all books , documents and securities of the Institute relating to financial affairs of the Institute

(ii) The Secretary shall keep in custody or under control all other books, documents and securities of the Institute.

(iii) The Secretary must keep and maintain a register of members containing the name, address and date of entry of member’s name on the register.

(iv) The register is to be made available for inspection free of charge to any member upon request, such inspection limited to the members details.

(v) A member may make a copy of their own entry in the register

All other accounts, books, securities and any other relevant documents of the Association must be available for inspection free of charge by any member on request, and the member may make a copy of same.

Rule 4. Registration of Members

Submission & request to amend a member’s grade of membership must be made to the Secretary, who will then submit same to Council for ratification. Approval or rejection is to be issued to the member, by the secretary, in writing by any of the accepted means.

Rule 5. Funds and Subscriptions

(a) The funds of the Institute shall be derived from annual subscriptions, donations and such other sources as the Council may determine in accordance with these Rules and the governing Act.

(b) The rate of Annual subscription fee shall be determined by Council from time to time at its own election.

(c) The income and property of the Institute whencesoever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the purposes of the Institute and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividends, bonus or otherwise howsoever by way of profit or gain to the individual members of the Institute. Provided that nothing shall prevent the payment, in good faith, of reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or servant or to any member of the Institute in return for any services actually rendered to the Institute nor prevent the payment for out of pocket expenses, interest on money lent or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or lent to any officer or servant of the Institute or member of the Institute. Including expenses connected with representation on associated or affiliated bodies for the purpose of furthering the Mission of the APRI.

          (d)       Winding Up
              i) In the event of the winding up or the cancellation or merge of the incorporation of the Institute, the assets of the Institute must be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the
              Act. The winding up, cancellation or merge must also take place in accordance with the governing Act. In addition, cessation or merge can only take place with approval of 60% of paid
              up and life members.. Such approval is to include the terms or basis of any cessation or merger.

ii). Dissolution of the Institute and disposal of the assets of the Institute shall be decided only at a special general meeting. If upon the winding up or dissolution of the Institute there remains, after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall be given or transferred to some other Institute having similar purposes to the Institute and which shall prohibit the distribution of its income and property amongst its members to the extent at least as great as is imposed on the Institute, such association to be determined by the members of the Institute at or before the time of dissolution and must be in accordance with the governing Act.

Rule 6. Additional Branch Funding

The Council may decide to make available to each State Co-ordinator such additional funds as may be required from time to time for the running expenses of that State’s activities.

Rule 7. Financial Year

The financial year shall be from 1 January to 31 December in each year.

Rule 8. Establishment of Branches and Committees

The Council:

(a) may set up Branches consisting of members residing in particular areas; such branches to be administered by co-ordinators as elsewhere defined and regulated within these rules.

(b) shall appoint and disband special purpose sub-committees as and when necessary.

Rule 9. Quorum

No fewer than four voting members of the Council shall form a quorum, in person or by proxy.

Rule 10. Accounts

The Treasurer of the Institute shall cause full accounts to be kept of all monies received and expended. All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by a minimum of two members of the Council. At least once each year, the accounts of the Institute shall be audited by the auditor appointed according to Rule 11. The audited accounts shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting of the Institute.

Rule 11. Auditors

The Auditor of the Institute shall be elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Rule 12. Council Meetings

Meetings of the Council shall be held at such times and places as the Council itself shall determine. Council may make interim decisions on general issues including application approval, by circulation among and approval of at least four members (including proxy). Any 4 members of the council constitutes a quorum for the conduct of the business of a meeting. The council may act notwithstanding any current vacancy.

The Chairman of the Institute, or not less than three members of the Council, may request that the Secretary convene a special Council meeting by giving notice of at least seven clear days by any accepted means to every member of the Council.

The council must meet at least 2 times in each year at such place and such times as the council may determine.

Rule 13. Annual General Meetings

The Institute shall hold the Annual General Meeting of the members within 5 months of the end of each year. The presence of one-third of the voting members, or ten, whichever is the lesser, shall constitute a quorum.

The ordinary business of the annual general meeting shall be-

(a) to confirm the minutes of the previous annual general meeting and of any general or extraordinary meeting held since that meeting; and

(b) to receive from the council reports of the transactions of the Institute during the preceding financial year; and

(d) to receive and consider the statement submitted by the Institute in accordance with section 30(3) of the Act.

Rule 14. Extraordinary Meetings

The Council may at its discretion and shall upon the requisition of one-tenth of the total voting members of the Institute or of ten of their number, whichever is the lesser, convene an Extraordinary Meeting of the Institute. In the event of such a requisition the provisions as set out below shall apply:

(a) The requisition must state the objectives of the meeting and must be signed by the requisitionists and deposited with the Secretary and may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more requisitionists;

(b) If the Council does not proceed duly to call a meeting within 14 days from the date of the requisition being so deposited, the requisitionists, or any of them representing not less than half the total voting rights of the requisitionists, may themselves convene the meeting, but any meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three months from the date of the deposit of the requisition;

(c) Any meeting called by the requisitionists shall be called as nearly as possible in the manner as that in which meetings are to be convened by the Council; and

(d) Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists in calling and holding a meeting by reason of the failure of the Council to do so shall be reimbursed by the Institute to the requisitionists.

Rule 15. Notice of Annual and Extraordinary Meetings

Not less than 14 days clear notice to the members of the Institute, specifying the place, day and time of the meeting, and in the case of special business the general nature of such business, shall be given of every Annual General and Extraordinary Meeting. Notice shall be deemed to have been sent by post, fax or email. A member intending to bring any business before a meeting should notify the secretary of that business in writing, or by electronic transmission. The secretary must include that business in the notice calling the next general meeting.

Rule 16. Adjournment of meetings

(a) The person presiding may, with the consent of a majority of members present at the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and place to place.

(b) No business may be conducted at an adjourned meeting other than the unfinished business from the meeting that was adjourned.

(c) If a meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given in accordance with rule 15.

(d) Except as provided in sub-rule (c), it is not necessary to give notice of an adjournment or of the business to be conducted at an adjourned meeting.

Rule. 17. Election of Council Officers and Ordinary Council Members

Nominations shall be invited for members to join Council.

(a) Nominations of candidates for election as officers of the Institute or as ordinary members of the council must be-

i) made in writing, signed by two members of the Institute and accompanied by the written consent of the candidate (which may be endorsed on the form of nomination); and

ii) delivered to the Secretary of the Institute not less than 7 days before the date fixed for the holding of the annual general meeting.

(b) Subject also to section (g) below, a candidate may nominate for an office, or as an ordinary member of the council, prior to the annual general meeting. The candidate can also become a state co-ordinator, or be already conducting the role (c). If insufficient nominations are received to fill all vacancies on the committee, the candidates nominated shall be deemed to be elected and further nominations may be received at the annual general meeting.

(d) If the number of nominations received is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, the persons nominated shall be deemed to be elected.

(e) Council members may hold posts indefinitely. The size of Council shall be not less than 5 and not more than 8. (f) In the event that the sum of nominations and existing council members exceeds 8, existing Council members will be invited to stand down. Failing this, longest serving Council member(s) shall stand down.

(g) The newly appointed Council shall elect from amongst its members, or alternatively co-opt, the office bearers of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and shall confirm or appoint a Public Officer. The Public Officer shall perform those duties as are required by the relevant Act or Government body.

(h) The office of an officer of the Institute, or of an ordinary member of the Council, becomes vacant if the officer or member-

(i) ceases to be a member of the Institute; or

(ii) becomes insolvent under the administration within the meaning of the Corporations Law; or

(iii) resigns from the office by notice in writing given to the Secretary or Chairperson.

Rule 18. Technical Publications

The Institute shall have the right to publish all technical papers, communications and proceedings submitted to the Institute, subject to the prior permission of the author/authors or author's/authors' representative being obtained.

Rule 19. Co-ordination of State Activities

(a) The Council may decide to make available to each State Co-ordinator such additional funds as may be required from time to time for the running expenses of that State’s activities.

(b) Wherever possible, the affairs of each State shall be managed by one or more State Co-ordinator(s).

(c) (One of) The State co-ordinator(s) will also be an ordinary member of the Australasian Council, and may be an office holder.

(d) At State level, the co-ordinators:

i) Are not required to be appointed by membership vote

ii) Will abide by all law, regulation and council policies

iii) Will financially administer, account for and report all state activities to the Treasurer such financial reporting to be signed by two state members

iv) Financial reporting format and procedure to be as prescribed by Council from time to time.

v) Must be paid-up current members.

vi) Are NOT required to manage or record formal administrative meetings, but can do so at their own election. However, meetings and decisions should be summarised and submitted to Council.

vii) Can be a team of members.

Rule 20. Alteration to Rules and Statement of Purposes

These rules and the statement of purposes of the Institute shall not be altered except in accordance with the relevant Act or government body and by the process prescribed by theses rules

Rule 21. Other

(1) Seal

(a) The common seal of the Institute must be kept in the custody of the Secretary.

(b) The common seal must not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the committee and the affixing of the common seal must be attested by the signatures either of two members of the Council or, of one member of the Council and of the Public Officer of the Institute.

(2) Disputes and mediation

(a) The grievance procedure set out in this rule applies to disputes under these Rules between-

i) a member and another member; or

ii) a member and the Institute.

(b) The parties to the dispute must meet and discuss the matter in dispute, and, if possible, resolve the dispute within 14 days after the dispute comes to the attention of all of the parties.

(c) If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at the meeting, or if a party fails to attend that meeting, then the parties must, within 10 days, hold a meeting in the presence of a mediator.

(d) The mediator must be-

i) a person chosen by agreement between the parties or can be an Institute member who was not a party to the dispute;

ii) in the absence of agreement-

(i) in the case of a dispute between a member and another member, a person appointed by the Council; or

(ii) in the case of a dispute between a member and the Institute, a person who is a mediator appointed or employed by the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (Department of Justice).

(e) The mediator, in conducting the mediation, must--

i) give the parties to the mediation process every opportunity to be heard; and

ii) allow due consideration by all parties of any written statement submitted by any party; and

(iii) ensure that natural justice is accorded to the parties to the dispute throughout the mediation process.

(f) If the mediation process does not result in the dispute being resolved, the parties may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Act or otherwise at law.

REGULATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

VOTING RIGHTS

All financial members have full voting rights under the Institute's Rules and are eligible to serve on the Australasian Council.

Manner of determining whether resolution carried

If a question arising at a general meeting of the Institute is determined on a show of hands-

(a) a declaration by the Chairperson that a resolution has been-

(i) carried; or

(ii) carried unanimously; or

(iii) carried by a particular majority; or

(iv) lost; and

(b) an entry to that effect in the minute book of the Institute-- is evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of, or against, that resolution.

Proxies

Each member is entitled to appoint another member as a proxy by notice given to the Secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting in respect of which the proxy is appointed.

GRADES OF MEMBERSHIP

Application for all grades of membership shall be made on the appropriate form available from the Institute. Persons who wish to apply for entry to a qualified grade and who do not already belong to the Institute are required to join initially as Ordinary (or may, if eligible, join as Student) members before making such an application.

The grades of membership are as follows:

Ordinary

Associate (AAPRI)

Fellow (FAPRI)

Corporate

Concession (Student, Retiree, Life)

Ordinary Membership

Is available to anyone working with or interested in plastics or rubber. Those within the grade of Ordinary member are known as 'Ordinary members' and have the right to refer to themselves as 'Ordinary members of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Inc.'. This description does not, however, imply any qualification and this grade does not carry the right to use designatory letters. An applicant for Ordinary membership is required only to state an interest in plastics or rubber and to agree in writing to abide by the current Regulations and Rules of Institute.

Associate Membership (AAPRI).

By the award of the grade of Associate, the Institute recognises the applicant as a professional polymer scientist, technologist or engineer. It certifies that the holder has completed a period of appropriate experience after gaining an approved degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline and is employing his or her knowledge of plastics or rubber in a professional manner. Those within the grade of Associate shall be known as 'Associates', shall have the right to refer to themselves as 'Associates of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Inc.' and to use the designatory letters 'AAPRI'. The Council, (or if applicable through designated personnel), shall be satisfied that such graduates applying for the grade of Member shall, at the time of application:

(a) be a financial member of the Institute;

(b) have belonged to the Institute for at least four years;

(c) hold a degree (or equivalent) from a University or an Advanced College of Education in a science or engineering discipline. (Other qualifications, including Corporate Membership of professional bodies, claimed to be equivalent will be considered on their merits);

(d) have been working continuously in the science or technology of plastics or rubber for at least five years after completing their degree and have an adequate level of knowledge of the science and/or technology of plastics or rubber.

All applications for the grade of Associate shall;

(a) be supported by two referees, each of whom shall be either an Associate or a Fellow.

(b) attach all suitable evidence that the applicant meets the above criteria.

Ordinary members of long standing in the industry but who may not have the required educational qualifications can apply for the Associateship. The Council shall be satisfied that an applicant for Associate of the Institute has submitted satisfactory evidence of original work on an approved technical topic of approximately two years duration. This may take the form of a thesis or a citation of papers or patents which have been published. Candidates wishing to follow this route to qualify for admission to the grade of Associate are advised to contact the Council for guidance before commencement of the work.

Fellow (FAPRI):

Fellow is the Institute's most senior grade, signifying that the holder has achieved considerable eminence or that, as a member of some years standing, he or she holds a senior appointment associated with plastics or rubber. Those within the grade of Fellow shall be known as 'Fellows', shall have the right to refer to themselves as 'Fellows of the Australasian Plastics and Rubber Institute Inc.' and to use the designatory letters 'FAPRI'.

The Council, shall be satisfied that an applicant for appointment to the grade of Fellow shall, at the time of application:

(a) be a financial member of the Institute;

(b) have belonged to the Institute for at least eight years;

And either of

i) has achieved a position of considerable scientific, managerial or technological distinction concerned with plastics or rubber;

ii) has made an outstanding contribution to the progress of the industry;

iii) has made an outstanding contribution to the Institute over many years.

All applications for the grade of Fellow shall be supported by two referees, each of whom shall be a Fellow. Applicants may, but shall not normally, be required to be interviewed by a panel of at least two Fellows.

Concessional Members.

Certain grades of membership qualify for reduced membership fees. These are

(a) Student . A person studying full or part time.

(b) Retiree. A senior person no longer gainfully employed.

(c) Life Members. Life membership is conferred by Council to those members who have made a significant contribution to the Institute

RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

The rights and privileges of membership shall be personal to the member or corporate member and shall not be transferable.

Every member shall notify the Branch Secretary of any change in his or her address to expedite delivery of correspondence and the issuing of notices.

Membership (including council members) may be suspended or terminated for:

(a) non-payment of annual subscription within six (6) months of the due date;

(b) wilful or persistent failure on the part of the member to observe these Regulations for Membership, the Rules of Institute of the Institute, or any other by-laws, rules and regulations (if any);

and/or

Termination of membership for items (b) and (c) above shall be by Council decision and to be notified to the member in writing.

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