Clause 1
1.1 Name. The name of the organisation is REFORM AU (Party).
1.2 Status. The Party is an unincorporated political organisation established on a written constitution for the purposes of registration under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth).
1.3 Independence & Not-for-profit. The Party is independent of any other body and applies its income and property solely to advancing its Purposes; no portion may be distributed to Members except as genuine reimbursement or arm’s-length payment for goods or services.
Clause 2
2.1 Constitution — this constitution as amended from time to time in accordance with clause 12.
2.2 Commonwealth Electoral Act — Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) and regulations.
2.3 National Executive (NE) — the Party’s governing body comprising the Officers in clause 6.1.
2.4 Officers — the Registered Officer (RO), the Deputy Registered Officer (DRO), the Secretary and the Treasurer/Party Agent (Party Agent).
2.5 Member — a person entered on the Party’s register under clause 5.
2.6 General Meeting — a meeting of Members convened under clause 8 (AGM or SGM).
2.7 By-Law — a rule made under clause 12 with effect only on RO approval.
2.8 Protected Clauses — the entrenched provisions listed at clause 12.4.
2.9 Consent Member — the special class at clause 5.7 whose written consent is required for Protected Clauses.
2.10 Electronic Means — audio or audio-visual technology that allows participants to hear and be heard.
2.11 Member Present — a Member present in person or via Electronic Means at a General Meeting.
2.12 Purposes — the purposes listed in clause 4.
2.13 Headings are for convenience only; they do not affect interpretation.
2.14 Singular includes plural and vice-versa; a reference to a person includes a body corporate and vice-versa.
2.15 Including and similar expressions are not words of limitation.
Clause 3
3.1 The Party aims to promote the election to the Senate and House of Representatives of candidates endorsed by the Party, and to participate in public affairs consistent with its Purposes.
3.2 The Party may organise nationally and within any State or Territory, and may establish branches by By-Law.
Clause 4
4.1 Companion-animal rights & stewardship (the Founding Purpose).
“The Founding Purpose of the Party is to support people’s rights to own companion animals and pets, and people’s rights to engage in lawful pursuits with their animals. These rights come with the responsibility for the health and welfare of those companion animals and pets. The Party will work to uphold those rights for people.”
To uphold the Founding Purpose, the Party will promote sensible, consistent laws and education that recognise pets as part of family life and encourage responsible ownership and animal welfare.
4.2 Cost of living & household security.
Advocate policies that reduce everyday expenses (energy, groceries, housing costs), improve competition and productivity, and protect low- and middle-income households from price shocks.
4.3 Housing affordability & supply.
Enable faster approvals, ‘missing-middle’ density where appropriate, build-to-rent and incentives for new rental supply; back fair, pet-friendly tenancy rules and strata by-laws.
4.4 Crime & community safety (including bail laws).
Prioritise practical policing, effective youth diversion, and strengthened bail and sentencing settings for repeat violent and high-risk offenders, alongside victim support and transparent crime-data reporting.
4.5 Government performance & integrity.
Drive accountable, data-driven government with clear KPIs, independent integrity bodies, FOI reform, and routine program evaluation and publication.
4.6 Debt, taxes & value for money.
Pursue disciplined budgeting, reduce waste, require transparent infrastructure business cases, and support a simpler, growth-friendly and fair tax mix.
4.7 DOGE — waste & integrity accountability.
Implement the Party’s DOGE program holding government, politicians, publicly funded and public service organisations accountable for waste, including open data on expenditures, independent audit/oversight, claw-back where lawful, and penalties for misuse of public funds.
4.8 Transport & infrastructure.
Back evidence-based road, rail and active-travel investments that cut congestion and deliver measurable returns; lift maintenance standards for local roads and safer streets.
4.9 Health system access.
Improve GP access and bulk billing, mental-health services, and emergency preparedness; recognise the wellbeing benefits of companion animals.
4.10 Economic performance & small business.
Cut red tape, back apprenticeships and regional jobs, and champion the pet economy (vets, trainers, groomers, shelters, pet-tech).
4.11 Emergency management (national standards, VIC-first detail as applicable).
Embed animal evacuation and welfare in bushfire, flood and heatwave plans; ensure pet-inclusive relief centres and temporary housing.
4.12 Environment & resilience.
Take practical, technology-neutral steps to reduce risk from extreme weather (homes, insurance affordability), protect biodiversity, and encourage responsible pet stewardship.
4.13 Community cohesion & inclusion.
Support family-violence responses (including pet-safe accommodation), social- connection programs, and respectful public debate; uphold lawful use of service and working animals.
4.14 Democratic participation.
Select and support candidates, develop policy, and conduct campaigns consistent with these purposes across Australia.
4.15 Immigration, border and settlement integrity.
Support a controlled, orderly and lawful immigration program that is transparent and needs-/skills-based, aligned with Australia’s economic conditions and service capacity (housing, infrastructure, health) and humanitarian obligations. The Party opposes inappropriate and unsupportable immigration settings — for example, policies that ignore housing-supply constraints, undermine community safety or national-security vetting, enable exploitation, or erode social cohesion. Policies apply without discrimination and consistent with Australian law and international obligations, with prompt, fair processing and enforcement.
4.16 Energy security — gas & critical resources (national reservation). Domestic gas reservation nationally; priority domestic supply; firm long-term contracts; downstream processing of critical minerals; robust royalty/compliance; curb anti-competitive export behaviour; use gas as firming for reliability/affordability.
4.17 Ownership sovereignty — property, businesses and farms. Review foreign ownership; where against national interest or distorting supply/prices: divestment/caps/tighter thresholds; beneficial ownership transparency; protect food security and SMEs.
4.18 National water security — review and reversal of problematic sales.
Audit water entitlement frameworks/transactions; where harmful to national/food security, communities or environment: reversal/restructure/stronger public control (with fair compensation where required).
4.19 Public assets & monopolies — review and reversal of privatisations.
Independent audits; where excessive prices, degraded service or security risks: buy-backs, re-municipalisation or tougher regulation. (Examples without limitation: VicRoads, Titles Office/Land Titles, Public Housing estates, Port of Melbourne, Port of Darwin, gas distribution assets, Medibank, National Rail, ASTA.)
4.20 Fair taxes — repeal/reform of punitive state levies.
Review/repeal/reform unfair state levies incl. broad Land Tax changes, Windfall Gains Tax, ongoing annual property tax proposals, Payroll Tax burdens, COVID- debt levies; prefer simpler, stable tax mix; sunset extraordinary imposts; disciplined spending.
4.21 Integrity of dealings — unions, peak bodies and foreign influence.
Independent register/review of significant dealings between governments and major unions/industry groups and foreign-state-linked entities; probity/transparency/national-interest tests; prevent undue influence (incl. concerns raised re CFMEU matters and CCP-linked risks).
4.22 DOGE+ — accountability for waste, rorting and megaproject blowouts.
Extend DOGE to state/federal megaprojects; mandatory business cases, gateway reviews, post-implementation audits; publish updated cost–benefit analyses; recover bonuses tied to failed KPIs; escalate SRL and comparable projects to independent audit and lawful claw-backs.
Clause 5
5.1 Eligibility. Any individual aged 18+ who supports the Purposes and is not disqualified by law may apply. A Member may be required by By-Law to declare they are not a current member of another registered political party.
5.2 Application/Admission. Applications must be in the form prescribed by the Party. Unless rejected within 14 days by the Secretary or NE (acting reasonably), an applicant becomes a Member upon entry on the register and payment of any fee.
5.3 Register. The Secretary keeps a register including the details required by electoral authorities; privacy is maintained in accordance with law.
5.4 Fees. Annual fees (if any) are set by the NE and published in a By-Law. Non- payment after 60 days may suspend rights until rectified.
5.5 Rights & obligations. Members must comply with this Constitution and By- Laws; treat others with respect; uphold the Party’s reputation; follow lawful directions. Each Member has one vote at General Meetings (subject to any probationary period set by By-Law not exceeding 6 months).
5.6 Cessation. Membership ends on death, resignation (written notice), non- payment (after due process in By-Laws), expulsion under clause 7, or legal disqualification.
5.7 Consent Member class. (a) Creation: a non-economic class called the ‘Consent Member’. (b) Holder: the RO holds the Consent Member role ex officio while serving; on ceasing to be RO it passes automatically to the incoming RO. (c) Rights: no voting rights on ordinary business but must provide written consent to any amendment, repeal or override of the Protected Clauses (see 12.4). (d) Non- transferable other than under 5.7(b).
Clause 6
6.1 Officers. The Party has four Officers: the Registered Officer (RO), the Deputy Registered Officer (DRO), the Secretary, and the Treasurer/Party Agent (Party Agent).
6.2 National Executive (NE). The NE comprises the four Officers. The RO is the Chair ex officio of the NE and of General Meetings (subject to conflicts). Quorum is two (2), one of whom must be the Chair unless the Chair is unavailable or conflicted.
6.3 Compatibility of offices. The same individual may simultaneously hold the offices of RO, Secretary and Party Agent, provided eligibility and statutory requirements are met. Holding multiple offices does not, of itself, constitute holding more than one position on the NE.
6.4 Functions. The NE manages the Party’s affairs subject to this Constitution and law, including finances, contracts, risk, candidate processes and campaign plans. The NE cannot override clauses 8.3, 9.4 or 12.4.
Clause 7
7.1 Discipline. The NE may warn, suspend (up to 12 months) or expel a Member for serious breach or conduct prejudicial to the Party after notice, an opportunity to respond, and a fair process. An internal review right may be provided by By-Law.
7.2 Disputes. Disputes should be resolved informally where possible; failing that, by good-faith mediation arranged by the Secretary in accordance with a Disputes By-Law.
Clause 8
8.1 AGM. Held annually after financial year end (as set by By-Law). Ordinary business includes: minutes; Officers’ and financial reports; election/confirmation of any Officer vacancy (if applicable).
8.2 SGM. May be called by the NE or by Members in accordance with any requisition process set by By-Law (a requisition must state the business).
8.3 Chair. The RO is the chair ex officio. If absent or conflicted, a Deputy RO (if any) or an Officer chosen by Members present chairs.
8.4 Notice. At least 21 days’ notice for meetings considering a Special Resolution; otherwise 14 days unless a shorter period is set by By-Law. Electronic notice is permitted.
8.5 Quorum. Ten (10) Members or 10% of the membership (whichever is lower, but not less than five) present in person or by Electronic Means.
8.6 Voting. One vote per Member; decisions by simple majority unless this Constitution requires otherwise. Proxies and electronic voting may be permitted by By-Law with appropriate safeguards.
8.7 RO presence for Protected Clause business. A meeting considering a resolution to amend, repeal or override any Protected Clause is valid only if chaired by the RO in person or via Electronic Means (or, if conflicted/suspended/vacant, by an Interim RO appointed under 9.9(c)). If the RO/Interim RO is not present and willing to chair, the meeting may deal with other business but must not put Protected Clause business to a vote.
Clause 9
9.1 Appointment. The NE appoints the RO who must be eligible under electoral law. The NE may appoint a deputy RO. Appointments, removals (subject to 9.9) and vacancies must be minuted and notified to the AEC as required.
9.2 Day-to-day control. The RO is responsible for day-to-day control and management of operations, including compliance, membership administration standards, campaign execution, communications, staffing/contracting within approved budgets, and dealings with electoral authorities.
9.3 Veto power. (a) The RO may veto any NE resolution (including circular/committee resolutions) within 7 days of receiving the minutes/text, by written notice stating brief reasons. (b) A veto has immediate effect and prevents the resolution taking effect unless withdrawn by the RO or overridden by a Members’ Special Resolution at a General Meeting called for that purpose. (c) Urgent resolutions marked urgent by unanimous Officers reduce the veto window to 48 hours from receipt.
9.4 By-Law approval right. No By-Law, policy, directive or media guideline has effect unless approved in writing by the RO. Amendments and repeals require the same approval.
9.5 Media & communications (exclusive). The RO has exclusive authority to make, authorise and withdraw public statements and media communications on behalf of the Party, issue spokespeople authorities, and manage branding, platforms and messaging. No other person may speak for the Party unless expressly authorised by the RO (standing authorities may be given by By-Law).
9.6 Delegation. The RO may delegate any operational powers in writing (and may revoke any delegation) but remains accountable to Members.
9.7 Access to information. The RO is entitled to all information and records reasonably required to discharge the role and may direct officers, staff and contractors accordingly.
9.8 Chairing. The RO is chair of the NE and General Meetings, with a casting vote at NE meetings only.
9.9 Removal / suspension. (a) The RO may be removed only by Members’ Special Resolution at a General Meeting and with a concurrent NE resolution passed unanimously by all Officers other than the RO, after written notice of proposed removal and reasons, and a reasonable opportunity to respond. (b) The NE may suspend the RO in a genuine emergency involving serious misconduct or incapacity, pending a removal meeting under 9.9(a); suspension must be notified to Members within 7 days with brief reasons. (c) During suspension/vacancy, a deputy RO (if any) or an Interim RO appointed unanimously by the NE performs the functions; Protected Clauses cannot be amended during a suspension/vacancy period.
Clause 10
10.1 Candidate processes. The NE sets and documents candidate eligibility and selection procedures, subject to RO approval under 9.4.
10.2 Preferences. Direction of preferences and ‘how-to-vote’ strategies are determined in writing by the RO after consulting the NE.
Clause 11
11.1 Notices. Electronic notice is valid on the business day after sending to the last recorded email address.
11.2 Execution. A document may be executed on behalf of the Party by any two of the Officers (including by approved electronic means where lawful).
11.3 Finance & records. The Party Agent maintains proper accounts; dual authorisation applies to payments (any two Officers). Records (including the register and minutes) are kept securely for at least seven (7) years; Member inspection rights may be provided by By-Law with privacy protections.
11.4 Custodian and nominee holdings
a) The National Executive (NE) may appoint a custodian or nominee to hold legal title to Party property on bare trust for the Party.
b) Title may be registered in the custodian/nominee’s name without public notation of the trust; beneficial ownership remains with the Party.
c) The custodian/nominee acts only on written directions of the RO (or authorised delegate) and must transfer or otherwise deal with assets on demand.
d) Records: The Secretary must keep an Asset & Beneficial Ownership Register, custody deeds and authorising minutes, and provide full access to the Party Agent.
e) Compliance: Nothing in this clause limits AEC disclosure obligations or lawful requests from regulators/auditors.
f) Banking & securities custody: Bank accounts and securities (including, without limitation, ASX-listed securities recorded on CHESS or any successor post-trade settlement system) may be opened or held in the name of a custodian or nominee as bare trustee for the Party, subject to (i) dual authorisations for payments and transfers; (ii) periodic reconciliations to statements and registers; and (iii) the Party By-Laws. Nothing in this clause limits any disclosure obligations to regulators or auditors.
Clause 12
12.1 By-Laws. The NE may propose By-Laws on: membership processing; meetings (including proxy/e-voting); discipline/disputes procedures; candidate processes; financial delegations; records; branding and communications protocols; and other administrative matters, subject to RO approval (9.4).
12.2 Publication. By-Laws must be published to Members and take effect on the stated date, not earlier than the RO’s written approval date.
12.3 Ordinary amendments. Except as provided below, this Constitution may be amended by Special Resolution of Members at a General Meeting (statutory thresholds and notice apply).
12.4 Protected Clauses (entrenched). The following provisions cannot be amended, repealed or overridden unless: (a) approved by a Members’ Special Resolution; (b) accompanied by the RO’s prior written consent (general or specific); and (c) accompanied by the Consent Member’s consent under 5.7. Protected Clauses are: clause 9 (RO — all subclauses); clause 9.5 (media & communications — RO only); clause 9.4 (By-Law approval control); clause 6.1–6.3 (three-Officer NE model and compatibility); and this clause 12.4 (entrenchment).
12.5 No circumvention. No amendment, repeal, resolution, policy, By-Law, delegation or appointment may be used to avoid or defeat the effect of clause 12.4.
Clause 13
13.1 The Party may be dissolved by Special Resolution of Members at a General Meeting.
13.2 On dissolution, surplus assets (if any) must not be distributed to Members but must be given to one or more not-for-profit entities with similar purposes and a constitution or governing rules prohibiting distributions to members, as determined by Special Resolution.
Clause 14
14.1 On adoption of this Constitution, the existing governing body becomes the initial National Executive until the first AGM under this Constitution.
14.2 Existing rules/by-laws remain in force to the extent consistent with this Constitution and upon RO ratification within 60 days.
