Constitution Update 2026

TPA Board Recommends Constitutional Review

Consultation period: 20 April to 11 May 2026

As part of the ongoing evolution of the Transport Professionals Association’s governance framework, the Board is proposing a small number of amendments to the Constitution for member consideration. 

These proposed updates build on the comprehensive governance review undertaken in 2024 and reflect the Association’s re-branding and continued strategic shift to better represent the breadth of transport professionals and disciplines across Australia. They are intended to clarify and modernise certain provisions, ensure alignment with TPA’s current purpose and operating model, and support effective governance as the Association continues to grow. 
 
The Board has now endorsed a member consultation process, ahead of formally putting the proposed amendments to members at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. 
 
Members are invited to review a summary of the proposed amendments, the rationale for the changes, and a marked-up version of the Constitution:

• Members are invited to review the proposed amendments and provide written feedback via email.
• All feedback received during the consultation period will be considered by the Board.
• The final proposed amendments will be presented to members for approval by special resolution at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

View marked up version of the Constitution

Proposed Constitution Amendments – Overview

As part of the Transport Professionals Association’s ongoing governance evolution, the Board is proposing a number of targeted amendments to the Constitution for member consideration at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

These proposed updates build on:

• the comprehensive governance review undertaken in 2024,
• the Association’s re‑branding to Transport Professionals Association, and
• the Board’s continued focus on ensuring the Constitution remains clear, contemporary and fit‑for‑purpose.

The proposed changes are largely refinements and clarifications. They do not change the Association’s fundamental nature, member rights or not‑for‑profit status.

Outlined below is a summary of the key proposed amendments and the Board’s rationale for each.

1. Updating and Broadening the Association’s Objects (Purpose)

What is proposed

• Update references throughout the Objects to reflect “transport professionals and related disciplines”, rather than narrower references to transport planning and traffic management.
• Broaden the professional development object to more clearly encompass the full diversity of the transport profession.
• Introduce a new object explicitly recognising the provision of services that support the career advancement of transport professionals.

Why this change is proposed

Since the Constitution was last updated in 2024, the Association has:

• re‑branded to Transport Professionals Association, and
• continued to expand its membership profile across a wider range of transport‑related disciplines.

The proposed changes ensure the Objects clearly reflect:

• who the Association serves today,
• the breadth of professional activity already being undertaken, and
• the Association’s strategic intent to support members across all stages of their careers.

2. Terminology Updates Across the Constitution

What is proposed

• Replace outdated or narrow references to “transport planning and traffic management” with broader references to “transport”, “transport professionals” or similar terms, where appropriate, across the document.
• Update language to reflect the Association’s current business name and professional scope.

Why this change is proposed

While the Constitution was updated in 2024, some terminology no longer accurately reflects:

• the Association’s re‑branding, or
• the diversity of professions represented within the membership.

These changes are housekeeping in nature but are important to ensure:

• consistency across the document,
• accuracy in how the Association presents itself, and
• clarity for members, stakeholders and external audiences.

3. Direct Voting and Meeting Processes

What is proposed

• Clarify how resolutions determined by direct vote operate in practice.
• Explicitly confirm that where the Board has determined that a resolution is to be decided by direct vote, no further vote is required at a meeting, the meeting’s role is to confirm and record the result.

Why this change is proposed

The direct voting provisions have been used in recent election and decision‑making processes. However, some aspects of their interaction with general meetings could benefit from clearer drafting.

This amendment:

• removes ambiguity,
• supports efficient and transparent decision‑making, and
• ensures members clearly understand how and when their votes are counted.

4. Director Eligibility and Election Language

What is proposed

• Refine wording in the Director eligibility provisions to remove potential ambiguity and ensure consistent interpretation.
• Update election‑related language (for example, replacing references to “ballots” with “direct votes”) to align with current practice and terminology.

Why this change is proposed

These refinements:

• strengthen clarity and consistency in how Board nominations and elections operate, and
• support confidence in the integrity of governance and appointment processes.

No changes are proposed to Board structure, term limits or regional representation requirements.

6. Removal of Outdated Transitional Provisions

What is proposed

• Remove references to transitional Board arrangements that are no longer relevant.

Why this change is proposed

These provisions related to past transition periods that have now concluded. Removing them:

• streamlines the Constitution,
• reduces confusion for members reading the document, and
• ensures the Constitution reflects the Association’s current governance arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Constitution being updated again?

The Constitution was last updated in 2024 following a comprehensive governance review. Since then, the Association has re‑branded to Transport Professionals Association and continued to evolve its strategic focus and membership profile.

The proposed amendments are part of the Board’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Constitution remains clear, contemporary and aligned with how the Association operates today. The changes primarily focus on clarification, alignment and modernisation rather than introducing new governance arrangements.

What prompted these specific changes?

The amendments respond to:

• the Association’s re‑branding and broader representation of transport disciplines,
• experience gained from operating under the updated Constitution and
• the identification of some provisions that could benefit from clearer drafting to avoid uncertainty or misinterpretation.

Does this change my membership rights or voting rights?

No.
There are no changes proposed to:

• membership classes,
• voting rights,
• eligibility to vote, nominate or stand for the Board (beyond existing provisions), or
• members’ rights to attend and participate in general meetings.

Is the Board giving itself more power?

No.
The amendments do not introduce new Board powers or remove existing member oversight. The Association’s democratic governance framework remains intact, and the Board continues to be accountable to members.

Any change to the Constitution still requires approval by members through a special resolution.

Why are changes to direct voting being proposed?

Direct voting has been used in recent election and decision‑making processes. Some provisions would benefit from clearer wording to explain how direct votes interact with general meetings.

The proposed clarification ensures:

• transparency for members,
• consistency in how results are confirmed and recorded, and
• efficiency in governance processes.

Are there changes to the Board’s structure or regional representation?

No.
There are no proposed changes to:

• the number of Directors,
• the mix of Elected and Board‑Appointed Directors,
• regional representation requirements, or
• director term lengths and term limits.

How can I provide feedback?

Members can provide written feedback during the consultation period via email by 11 May 2026.

All feedback received within the consultation timeframe will be reviewed and considered by the Board.

What is the consultation period?

The consultation period runs from 20 April to 11 May 2026.

What happens after the consultation closes?

Following the consultation:

• feedback will be considered by the Board,
• any refinements to the proposed amendments will be finalised, and
• the amendments will be put to members for approval by special resolution at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Do I have to participate in the consultation?

Participation is voluntary, but members are strongly encouraged to engage. The consultation is an opportunity for members to understand the proposed changes and provide feedback before they are formally presented for approval.