After many months of hard work by members of the national committee, ABC Friends National became a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) on 13 June 2024. Until then ABC Friends was an incorporated association.

A CLG is a unique legal structure commonly used by non-profit organisations, professional associations, and clubs. CLGs provide a legal framework for these organisations to manage their activities effectively. 

President, Cassandra Parkinson, said the new company demonstrated ABC Friends’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. This in turn will enable ABC Friends to more easily access various benefits such as tax exemptions and eligibility for grants. It is also more appropriate for an organisation with national coverage to operate as a company rather than an incorporated association, she said. 

To be known as ABC Friends Ltd, the company has a new Constitution, which provides for the six state ABC Friends incorporated associations to be the members of the company.

Each member organisation has two Directors on the ABC Friends Limited Board, while those with 25% or more of the entire ABC Friends national membership are entitled to an additional director. 

The initial Board of Directors, who were nominated by their state associations, are:

• Cassandra Parkinson, Tess Howes, Gia Metherell (NSW/ACT)
• Ross McDowell, Janice Monroe (Qld)
• Peter Vandeleur, Judy Gonda (SA)
• Peter Tatham, Rowan Wylie (Tas)
• Carol Stuart, Michael Henry, Pamela Creed (Vic)
• Cathy Bardon, Jenny Meyrick (WA)

The new company will continue in its role of defending and promoting the ABC in its vital role as Australia’s independent, national broadcaster.

ABC Friends wishes to thank the legal firm Arnold, Bloch, Leibler, who provided many hours of invaluable pro bono assistance to make the transition possible.

Cassandra Parkinson
ABC Friends President