G21 proposes constitution change about election candidates

THE Geelong region’s leading lobby group is proposing to change its constitution to maintain its apolitical status and force any of its directors running for state or federal office to take leave.

G21 has announced it will hold a extraordinary general meeting online on March 24 to address the issue, and has invited all its members to vote or submit proxy forms.

The 15 directors on G21’s board include the mayors of its five member municipalities but G21 is seeking to update its constitution in response to Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher being preselected to run for the Liberals in the seat of Corangamite in this year’s federal election.

According to the explanatory memorandum sent out to G21’s members, the board discussed potential protocols relating to its directors standing for office in late 2021.

Ms Asher, who was the G21 board’s chair as well as a director, won preselection last July and took leave from the council in January this year.

“The company states in its governance framework and public materials that it is an apolitical organisation and must strive to operate impartially,” the memorandum states.

“The board agreed this is an important principle which should be adhered to.”

The new clause, which must be approved by 75 per cent of the members at the meeting, requires directors to either seek a leave of absence from the board or resign if they declare their intentions to stand or accept preselection for a state or federal seat.