September 28, 2026
On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the President of the Society, Emeritus Professor Christina Slade, wrote to all members eligible to vote in Society elections to advise that the Council had recommended changes to the Rules of the Society that would support the increased participation of, and engagement by, young people by broadening the category of Associate Membership, and providing for an appointed Early Career Researcher member of the Council.
On Monday, 7 September 2026, all Society members eligible to vote in Society ballots received a notice from the electronic balloting service, Election Buddy, to vote electronically on three motions to vary Rule 13 (Associate Members), Rule 16 (The Council of the Society), and Rule 18 (Election of and appointment to the Council).
Results
At the close of voting at midday on Monday, 28 September 2026, some 227 votes had been submitted from 731 eligible voters, representing a return rate of 31%.
Change to Rule 13 — Associate Members
| Votes in favour of the Rule change | 211 (92.95%) |
| Votes against the Rule change | 16 (7.05%) |
Change to Rule 16 — The Council of the Society
| Votes in favour of the Rule change | 212 (93.39%) |
| Votes against the Rule change | 15 (6.61%) |
Change to Rule 18 — Election to and appointment to the Council
| Votes in favour of the Rule change | 212 (93.39%) |
| Votes against the Rule change | 15 (6.61%) |
Accordingly, all three motions were approved by Society members.
Changes to the Rules, as described in the Explanatory Memorandum, took effect from the close of the ballot, i.e., midday on Monday, 28 September 2026, with the updated Rules to be made available on the RSNSW website in the coming days.
RSNSW Election Coordinator
28 September 2026
