Under the Rule Book (link to PDF of the Rule Book) of the NQLC Aboriginal Corporation the NQLC Board of Directors are elected by members of the NQLC under a ward system.

To see who is eligible to be a member and how to become a member of the NQLC click here (link to PDF of the Rule Book)!

The Ward Elections occur every second year, see NQLC Rule Book. (link to PDF of the Rule Book)!

.

There is residential qualification to stand for election for a Board member, see NQLC Rule Book. (link to PDF of the Rule Book)!

The Board members elected in late 2009 are:

The next Ward Elections are due in the second half of 2011.

Map of the Wards

From these elected individuals the office bearers, Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Correspondence Secretary and Treasurer, are elected the members of the Board at the first meeting of the Board after the first Annual General Meeting of the Corporation.

The Function of the Board

The Board of Directors function is to set in place the broad policies and strategies that gives the organisation over-all direction.

Not only is the role of the NQLC Board of Directors is to make policy and other major decisions in the best interest of the NQLC and the native title holders of the region but as elected Board members of a ward system they also have a role to represent the traditional owners of their ward and act as liaison between those members and the NQLC.

The Board is committed to the principles of good corporate governance and as such have enshrined in the Rule Book.  The Rule Book provides for a separation of powers which keeps the Board at arms length from the day to day management of the organisation which is the responsibility of the Executive Officer (EO).

The principle of separation of powers is entrenched in the Rule Book  and applies to the functioning of and the carrying out of the Corporation’s business.  These are listed below.

(i)      The Board of Directors is responsible for:

•    the setting of policy and of determining the priorities of the business or functions of the Corporation;

•    the setting of and approvals of budget plans;

•    strategic planning;

•    statutory functions;

•    any functions required to be carried out by the Corporation in accordance with the conditions attached to any grant of monies;

•    appointment of Auditors;

•    appointment of an Executive Officer;

•    setting, running and keeping records of all Annual General Meetings;

•    all General meetings and all Ward Meetings of the Corporation;

•    appointment of a Secretary;

•    representing the Corporation at political forums, seminars and meetings relevant to the functions or objectives of the Corporation; and

•    general planning for the carrying out of the objectives and goals of the Corporation.

(ii)     The Executive Officer is appointed by the Board of Directors to manage the affairs of the Corporation and is also responsible for implementing the policies and general planning set by the Board of Directors and in conducting the day to day business of the Corporation.

(iii)    Each person who is on the Board of Directors:

(a) has a duty to act in that position with honesty, diligence and reasonable care; and

(b) shall not make improper use of information or opportunities received through that position.

Good leadership is critical to achieving the NQLC’s commitment to good governance. The Executive Officer acts in accordance with the policies and directives of the Board of Directors and provides leadership in corporate governance by ensuring that those principles are well understood and that the checks and balances in place are working effectively.

In accordance with good governance principles the NQLC’s Rule Book and Policies require Directors to disclose any interest in a contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement or other matters and a conflict Register is held.

A person who discloses a conflict of interest may not vote on any motion relating to the matter to which the conflict exists.

The Board aims to meet a minimum of 4 times annually, with provisions to meet more regularly as and if required.

Pursuant to the Rule Book the Board of Directors may appoint a sub-committee and has the power to determine the responsibilities and powers of that sub-committee.