FoVGC Inc. have not received a response from the SGBCC Board regarding a number of concerns raised in our letter of 17 October 2024.
On the evening of 17 October, FoVGC shared the following post regarding the letter on our Facebook group:
Friends have become aware of anecdotes from Club Members suggesting inappropriate conduct of recent Disciplinary Hearings by the SGBCC Board, as well as improper summary suspension notification practices and apparent bar gossip by Board members concerning hearing outcomes.
Whatever the veracity of the assertions, it is important that all Club Members have confidence that the administration of Disciplinary Hearings is appropriate. In order to assist the Board to allay members' concerns, FoVGC Inc has sought confirmation that Disciplinary Hearings of Club Members will strictly comply with the Clubs NSW Code of Conduct (Natural Justice provision), the Club Constitution and Australian Privacy Legislation, in that:
1. Members subject to suspension are notified of the alleged behaviour and the associated supporting evidence in writing prior to the suspension notification;
2. That only notified allegations and evidence are considered at the Hearing, together with the member's responses;
3. If further allegations are contemplated or new evidence is identified, the Hearing is postponed and the member notified of the new allegations/evidence in order to be able to respond accordingly;
4. That the Hearing is conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Club Constitution; and
5. That Hearing Committee members refrain from public discussion of Hearing outcomes.
We will advise the Board's response when received.
It seems the Board has no interest in meeting the President's commitment to transparency and consultation with members.
Further it seems that the Board is quite comfortable with the perception, based on the concerns expressed in this letter, that it is willing to treat members in such a reprehensible and unethical manner.
Hopefully those who have been the subject of these hearings will take action against the Board, initially through the Clubs NSW Code Authority via this Code Breach Allegation Form https://www.clubsnsw.com.au/form/code-authority.
Download and read the full letter: