AusCycling SGM: Vote on Chair to Proceed, Other Motions Ruled Out
AusCycling is moving forward with a special general meeting in April, but the scope of that meeting has been significantly narrowed following legal advice. Initially requisitioned by a number of member clubs seeking changes to the national cycling governing body’s leadership, the meeting will now focus solely on a vote regarding the removal of current Chair Craig Bingham.
The request for the special general meeting (SGM) stemmed from concerns raised by multiple clubs regarding the direction of AusCycling, with initial motions targeting both the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer, Marne Fechner. However, AusCycling announced this week that only the motion concerning Bingham’s position as Chair and Director will proceed to a vote on .
According to a document shared with members and provided to Cyclingnews, AusCycling sought legal counsel regarding the validity of the four proposed motions. That advice determined that only the motion targeting Bingham met the constitutional and legal requirements to be put before the membership. The organization has stated that clubs who submitted the original request will receive further details regarding the reasons for the rejection of the other motions.
The original proposals, initiated by the Midland Cycle Club and the Canberra Cycling Club and supported by other clubs, included calls for the immediate removal of Fechner as CEO and the initiation of an open recruitment process for a replacement. Another motion sought the election of Chloe Hosking as a Director, with a subsequent motion expressing support for Hosking’s potential appointment as Chair.
The decision to limit the SGM to a vote on Bingham’s position effectively postpones any immediate consideration of the broader concerns regarding leadership and organizational direction. Bingham’s current term, alongside that of Lee Brentzell, is set to expire in May, meaning a vote on his position would have been required at the regular annual general meeting regardless of the outcome of the SGM.
The underlying discontent that prompted the SGM request, however, remains. Clubs have voiced concerns about falling membership numbers, strain on volunteer resources, rising costs, and a perceived lack of focus on grassroots participation and the development of young riders. AusCycling acknowledged these concerns in its communication to members, stating its commitment to increased engagement.
“We have been in touch with all members to confirm the meeting – including what has been proposed, how to attend, and what Clubs need to know to participate,” said Fechner. “The SGM is open to all members to attend, however only clubs can vote, or have votes counted via proxy. We wish to make sure every club has the opportunity to be represented.”
Voting rights are weighted based on club size, ranging from one vote for clubs with up to nine members to thirteen votes for those with 780 or more members. This structure ensures that larger clubs have a proportionally greater say in the outcome of the vote.
AusCycling has indicated it will provide additional information to members regarding its performance, governance, and strategic direction in the lead-up to the meeting. The organization framed the SGM as an opportunity to address concerns and demonstrate its commitment to member engagement.
“This is an opportunity to do more to engage with our members and we seize that seriously,” AusCycling stated. “In the lead-up to the meeting, we will be providing additional information about our performance, governance and direction.”
Whereas the April 23 vote is limited in scope, it will serve as a key indicator of whether AusCycling’s response to member concerns has been well-received. The outcome will likely influence the discussions and decisions made at the upcoming annual general meeting in May, where the future leadership of the organization will be determined.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics within AusCycling, an organization balancing the needs of its grassroots member clubs with its responsibilities as a recipient of elite-focused government funding. The outcome of the SGM, and the subsequent AGM, will be crucial in shaping the future direction of cycling in Australia.