7.1

Members

7.1.1

The following persons are Members

(a) those natural persons who are Members as at the date of adoption of the Rules; and

(b) any other natural person who becomes a Member by virtue of Rule 7.2.

7.1.2.

Different classes of membership may be set out in the By-Laws and subject to the Rules, the rights and benefits, duties and obligations, and status of Members, within the various classes of membership may be defined by the By-Laws.

7.1.3

If there are no By-Laws regulating voting rights and/or classes of membership (whether because no By-Laws have been enacted or because By-Laws have been set aside):

(a)      all Members will have one vote; and

(b)      there will be deemed to be one class of membership known as “Ordinary Members”,

until such time as one or more By-Laws are enacted to the contrary.

7.2

Admission to membership

7.2.1

Subject to Rule 7.2.2, membership will be open to those natural persons who, being eligible to become a member in accordance with the Rules and the By-Laws agree in writing to become a member and whose application for membership is approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 7.4.

7.2.2

Employees are ineligible for membership of the Association.

7.3

Applications

Applications for membership must be:

7.3.1

in writing in the form determined by the Board from time to time, stating that the applicant:

(a)      wishes to become a member of the Association;

(b)      supports the Objects; and

(c)      will comply with the Code of Conduct (if there is one);

7.3.2

signed by the applicant and a Member, who supports the application; and

7.3.3

lodged with a nominee of the Board.

7.4

Board to consider and approve applications for membership

7.4.1

Upon the receipt of an application for membership, the Board’s nominee must refer it to the Board at the first regular meeting of the Board following the receipt of the application, unless it is impractical to do so.

7.4.2

The Board must:

(a)      by resolution approve or reject applications; and

(b)      notify the applicant in writing whether the application has been approved or rejected.

7.4.3

If the Board approves an application

(a)      the Board must request the applicant pay within a period of 28 days after membership is approved the amount payable under the Rules as the Entrance Fee and the first year’s Annual Subscription;

(b)      the name and address of the new Member, and the date of becoming a Member, must be entered in the register within seven days of the receipt of the amounts referred to in Rule 7.4.3 (a); and

(c)      the applicant becomes a Member from the date the applicant is recorded in the register, in accordance with Rule 7.4.3(b)

7.4.4

The decision of the Board on an application for Membership, and as to the class (if any), of Membership for which the applicant is eligible is final and conclusive and binding on the applicant.  The Board is not required to give any reason for the rejection of any application for Membership.

7.5

Changes to classes of membership

7.5.1

The Board may dissolve any present or future class or classes of Membership and may create new or further class or classes of Membership.

7.5.2

The Board may from time to time temporarily or permanently close any class of Membership.