Key Takeaways
- The Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is embroiled in a dispute over the legitimacy of a vote that removed its former chair and board members.
- Aunty Jemmes Handy, a former director of MDAS, believes the vote was fair and legitimate and has asked the state government to intervene.
- Some board members, led by ousted chair Jenene Murray, are calling for a re-run of the vote, citing concerns about the integrity of the ballot process.
- The Victorian government is working with MDAS and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to strengthen the voice of the Aboriginal community in the organisation.
Introduction to the Dispute
The Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is currently embroiled in a major dispute over the procedures surrounding its annual general meeting and the subsequent vote to elect a new chair and board members. The dispute has led to calls for a re-run of the vote, with some board members claiming that the original vote was not conducted in a fair and transparent manner. However, Aunty Jemmes Handy, a former director of MDAS, believes that the vote was legitimate and has asked the state government to intervene in the matter.
The Vote and its Aftermath
The vote in question was held at the MDAS annual general meeting, where members of the organisation voted to remove the former chair and board members. According to Aunty Jemmes Handy, the election was transparent, and members voted fairly to remove her and others from the board. However, some board members, led by ousted chair Jenene Murray, have disputed the legitimacy of the vote, citing concerns about the integrity of the ballot process. They claim that the vote was not conducted in a consistent or controlled manner, and have called for a re-run of the vote.
Toxic Culture at MDAS
The dispute over the vote has also highlighted concerns about the culture at MDAS. Several people who were at the meeting have told the ABC that the result should stand, as the vote was conducted appropriately and overseen by a justice of the peace. However, members of the Aboriginal community-controlled MDAS have described the culture at the organisation as toxic. Documents obtained by the ABC show that members and employees of MDAS had raised concerns about the organisation early last year, including calls for a financial audit and making the members’ list public. However, MDAS has been accused of gagging its members and employees, with several letters sent to employees reminding them of the organisation’s grievance policy, which includes a prohibition on sharing concerns about the organisation with anyone outside MDAS.
Government Involvement
The Victorian government has said that it is working closely with MDAS and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to strengthen the voice of the Aboriginal community in the organisation, along with the agency’s governance and management. VACCHO, the peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations in Victoria, has previously said that it would attend the rescheduled meeting on February 14. Aunty Jemmes Handy has also called for government intervention, saying that she would like to see government departments get involved and put a stop to the dispute.
Resignation and Legal Action
Aunty Jemmes Handy has since resigned from MDAS and is seeking legal advice. In her resignation letter to the board, she expressed sadness that the effects of the behaviour of some board members were affecting the Aboriginal community. MDAS has also filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court of Victoria against the new chair and deputy chair, Nikita Hart and Tania Smith, respectively. Ms Hart has told the ABC that she is being denied access to act in her role as chair and that she rejects all outrageous claims from MDAS lawyers and the former chair, Jenene Murray.
Conclusion
The dispute over the vote at MDAS has highlighted concerns about the culture and governance of the organisation. While some board members are calling for a re-run of the vote, Aunty Jemmes Handy believes that the vote was legitimate and has asked the state government to intervene. The Victorian government is working with MDAS and VACCHO to strengthen the voice of the Aboriginal community in the organisation, and it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved. One thing is certain, however, and that is that the Aboriginal community deserves better than to be embroiled in a toxic and divisive dispute over the governance of an organisation that is supposed to serve their needs.