Further to Tuesday's Board update, the Brisbane Lions are aware of speculation that began on social media that the Club’s Board has the power to convey on Life Members the same rights as Full Members, allowing them to stand for election as Directors, but has declined to do so.
This is incorrect. The Board has sought independent legal advice and been advised that it does not have the power under the Club’s Constitution to grant these rights.
Any change in the eligibility of Life Members to be elected to the Board requires an amendment to the Club's Constitution, which can only take place by way of a special resolution of Members. This advice was reconfirmed by the Club's lawyers again today.
At yesterday’s Board meeting, Chairman, Angus Johnson, proposed that such a resolution be put to Members at the earliest opportunity to allow Life Members in future to be eligible to be elected to the Board. This proposal was supported by the Board and is recorded in the minutes.
To stand for election to the Board, Full Members also must:
• Not have been an employee or player of the Club for four years prior to nomination
• Have been a Full Member for two years prior to nomination.
These rules have been part of the Constitution since the Club was founded. They are in place because the role of Director of a Club with over 24,000 Members and annual turnover of approximately $50 million carries significant legal and other responsibilities.
It is important to clarify these matters for Members to avoid any confusion or misinformation.