Third draft rejection

Good Morning Andrew,

Thank you for supplying the document.

I note that some clauses still refer to voting electronically. I just wanted to touch base with you and enquire whether you wanted to proceed with the Application to become a Co-operative, or would you be more interested in forming an Incorporated Association which is a different legal structure? Incorporated Associations can use electronic voting if their rules allow for it. The Act also sets out a list of Schedule 1 provisions that must be included in the rules, these are similar to the co-operative requirements.

Please find some information below regarding Incorporated Associations’.

What is an Incorporated Association: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/what-incorporated-association

Benefits of Incorporating an Association: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/benefits-incorporating-association

How to incorporate an Association: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/how-incorporate-association

Please let me know how you wish to proceed after reviewing the above information.

May8,

I appreciate the offer however I would prefer the Rules be for a Cooperative as it's a far more universal and formally recognised business structure. This proposal is at its essence a business with a financial turnover that creates employment and pays fees for digital services.

We include a digital vote in OUR Rulebook, as an enhancement of the basic rights outlined in the legislation. We meet and exceed the requirements for membership democratic participation in line with the philosophy and principles that stand at the core of this legislation. (Division 3 — The co-operative principles, 6. Co-operative principles, 7. Interpretation to promote co-operative principles.)

While not explicitly mentioned in the Act it is an accepted form of participation in other associated and contemporaneous acts, there is current precedence. The issue is not with the Rule book but the Act's inability to keep apace with technology and innovation. My business proposal should not be hampered by this lack of legislative vigour if it meets the legislated basic requirements for member voting rights, rights of participation and transparency and the processes for decision making. Which this Rulebook does.

I hope you can appreciate my frustration as I do yours, my request is not extreme, it imposes no real risk to the orderly running of the business of the members, by the members, for their interest and that of the cooperative.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.