Club Obligations on Virtual Member Meetings

As clubs would be aware, amendments to the Corporations Act on meetings allow for clubs to host member meetings using virtual technology. 

ASIC has updated the FAQs on their website, available here, to assist clubs in understanding their obligations on hybrid and virtual-only meetings. Some of the key outtakes include:

• The Corporations Act does not specify the use of any particular virtual meeting technology, however, does require that whatever technology is used is reasonable and ensures members as a whole have a reasonable opportunity to participate. A webcast would not be an appropriate technology where members can only view the meeting.
• The Corporations Act allows clubs to hold virtual-only meetings if it is expressly required or permitted in the club’s constitution.
• Hybrid and virtual-only meetings do not require a phone line, so long as the technology chosen facilitates members’ participation. 

Clubs should also look at their constitution and seek legal advice where necessary to ensure they host all their general meetings in line with their obligations under the Act.