Charter of Operations
Contents 1. Primary Function... 2 2. Role of Individual Council Members... 2 3. Membership... 2 4. Role of Chair... 3 5. Council Operations... 4 5.1 Council Sub-Committees... 4 5.2 Conflict of Interest... 4 5.3 Meetings... 4 5.4 Quorum... 5 5.6 Secretariat Functions... 5 5.7 Agenda and Associated Papers... 5 6. All Stars... 5 7. Reconciliation Action Plan... 6 1 P a g e
1. Primary Function Established as a key objective of Rugby League s 2008-09 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and as outlined in the 2014 2017 RAP, the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC) represents the views and ideas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) peoples and acts as a sounding board in the development and revision of Rugby League policies, procedures and programs. The ARLIC provides strategic advice to all key stakeholders within the game in line with the NRL Strategic Plan The Game Plan 2013-2017. The ARLIC also provides strategic advice on the implementation of the RAP in its capacity as a member of the RAP Working Group for the game of Rugby League. The ARLIC, when requested, also acts as an independent arbiter to help resolve disputes involving Indigenous bodies or individuals within the game. The ARLIC provides strategic advice to all key stakeholders within the game on: increasing Indigenous participation in all facets of the game with a particular focus on youth, women/girls, coaching and support staff, referees and administrators; pathways for Indigenous youth with an increased emphasis on mentoring programs; and programs and proposals that utilise Rugby League in building community capacity. The ARLIC, when requested, also acts as an independent arbiter to help resolve disputes involving Indigenous bodies or individuals within the game. 2. Role of Individual Council Members Promote the success of the ARLIC Represent the ARLIC at relevant events and functions Exercise independent judgement Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence Maintain ethical standards and behaviour Attend Council meetings 3. Membership All Membership appointments will be made by the Australian Rugby League Commission s (ARLC) Chief Executive Officer. Membership of the ARLIC will be made up of 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives including a minimum of 2 female members. Representatives from each jurisdiction of the game will also attend and participate in ARLIC meetings. 2 P a g e
Game ARLIC Representatives: ARLC (1 position) National Rugby League Limited (1 position) New South Wales Rugby League (1 position) Queensland Rugby League (1 position) Country Rugby League (1 position) Indigenous Player Advisory Group Representative (1 position) The tenure of each voluntary community position is 24 months (2 Years fixed term) with a new nomination process undertaken annually after this period to renew 50% of members. This will result in the tenure of the remaining 50% of membership being 36 months; this will be a one-off. The positions to be renewed after the first 24 months will be determined by the ARLC. All Members appointed to the ARLIC will receive: complimentary tickets (2) to the Harvey Norman Ruby League All Stars corporate function inclusive of all travel and accommodation where relevant a complimentary ticket to the annual One Community Award ceremony inclusive of all travel and accommodation where relevant priority ticket purchasing for major rugby league games throughout the year general admission season pass (2) invitations to other special game-related events as appropriate Members who are found to be in breach of their role and responsibilities or have brought the game into disrepute will be stood down and will not be considered for further nomination. 4. Role of Chair The Chairperson will be appointed by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC). A remuneration package will be attached to this role as negotiated and based on demonstrated experience. The duties of the Chairperson will include: lead and facilitate the ARLIC; maintain a strong working relationship with ARLC management and be across the direction of the game; represent the ARLC in meetings with Federal/State Government Ministers, government agency heads and elected/appointed officials of the game; 3 P a g e
act as a spokesperson for the game s commitment to Indigenous outcomes, where appropriate, at major functions (e.g. All Stars); leverage support for Indigenous outcomes from governments, philanthropic and the private sectors; conduct effective, open and transparent meetings that lead to sound advice and endorsement of Rugby League activities; maintain a professional working relationship with all Members of the ARLIC; promote constructive and respectful relations between Members of the ARLIC; ensure that each Member appropriately contributes during all business of the ARLIC; and maintain ethical standards and behaviour. On occasions when the Chair is unavailable to represent the ARLIC at functions, events or meetings, another Member of the ARLIC can be nominated to fulfil this role. 5. Council Operations 5.1 Council Sub-Committees From time to time ARLIC Sub-Committees may be established to address certain issues or make recommendations on behalf of the ARLIC. A suitable Chair will be appointed with Membership determined by the ARLIC and representatives appointed where necessary. External parties may be engaged on a case-by-case basis. 5.2 Conflict of Interest Members of the ARLIC should identify and promptly declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest affecting them, including conflicting loyalties which may arise when members are appointed as representatives of other organisations. A Register of Interest will be maintained and updated as required. In the circumstance there is an actual or potential conflict of interest, the relevant Council Member will refrain from participating in any discussion or decision making on this item. 5.3 Meetings Meetings will be held a minimum of 4 times per calendar year. Additional meetings can be scheduled as required following consultation with the Chair and the majority of Council. Where required out of session teleconferences may be called to deal with urgent matters. 4 P a g e
Travel costs associated with attendance at ARLIC meetings will be met by the ARLC and organised through the ARLIC Secretariat. A schedule of meeting dates for the following year will be tabled at the final meeting of each calendar year. The Secretariat will provide ARLIC Members with a minimum of 4 weeks notice for each meeting. 5.4 Quorum A minimum of 5 ARLIC Members must be present to validate meetings and decisions. If an Indigenous Community Member is unable to attend a meeting they must notify the Secretariat and an apology will be recorded. 5.6 Secretariat Functions The Secretariat is responsible for collating and distributing minutes. Minutes from ARLIC Meetings will be provided to all Members within 10 working days of the completion of each meeting. The Secretariat will also coordinate all members travel and other entitlements. 5.7 Agenda and Associated Papers The Secretariat for the ARLIC will seek agenda items from all Members 4 weeks before each scheduled meeting. The Chair, in consultation with the Secretariat, will finalise the agenda and associated papers for each meeting and send to Members at least 1 week before the meeting date. 6. All Stars The ARLIC will provide support to the game in areas pertaining to the All Stars concept. The duties of the ARLIC will include, but are not limited to: providing advice and direction relating to the selection of coaching and management staff at all levels providing advice on team and community activities for inclusion in the week-long program 5 P a g e
provide culturally appropriate advice on local community engagement strategies act as an arbiter if and where necessary assist in the identification of a suitable location participate in All Stars Club Funding committee 7. Reconciliation Action Plan The ARLIC will have representation on the ARLC s RAP Working Group. At each meeting the ARLC will report on progress against set targets. 6 P a g e