PIAA Board members will today meet with representatives from the Members Action Group to discuss key issues, after the Board announced yesterday it would defer the SGM for 14 days. The two sides have been at loggerheads since the start of the new year in a remarkable conflict within the peak industry body that has seen the resignations of four board members, including two presidents, and the CEO. It is understood the aim of today’s meeting is to establish a non-confrontational environment before an SGM takes place, and to allow both sides to move forward. Tension between the two groups came to a head two weeks ago when the group’s representative, Tom Eckersley sent a letter of demands to the Board, threatening to call an SGM if they were not met. The Board promptly called the SGM itself, giving it control over the agenda.
The PIAA Board will meet with the Members Action Group led by Tom Eckersley (pictured)
The Members Action Group originally formed after irate members accused the Board of making decisions without consultation or communication with them. The group currently comprises some 53 PIAA members from Queensland and another 42 from around the country. The Board says, “Acting PIAA President, Kieran May, and spokesperson for the Members Action Group, Tom Eckersley, have established common ground. “Both sides understand the need to find a way forward in a non-confrontational environment. It is clear the resolution will need input from a wide cross section of members and other key stakeholders.” Commenting on the meeting set to take place, May says “While it is unlikely everyone will agree on every point, any disagreement will be respectful. Goodwill and clear thinking on both sides will go a long way to resolution.” Yesterday Eckersley told Australian Printer he had no issue with the Board deferring the SGM and confirmed positive discussions between the groups had occurred. There have been no further details given on the upcoming SGM.
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