NSW - A Special Case


The Touch community will be interested in the place of NSW in the new constitution. Why is NSW treated as a special case?

The Shilbury Report, where all this started, recommended:

" ... that NSW retain its standing (if it chooses) as a state association. NSW clearly demonstrated a sound approach to management of its state in a traditional manner expected of a state association. As it is a large and powerful association with high participation, and revenues in excess of $2 million, it is quite capable of developing Touch within its regions, mindful of the need to be more predisposed to collaborative efforts to develop Touch near ACT and Queensland state boundaries."

NSW have been supportive throughout the process of developing the new constitution, the President John Howard being an integral part of the constitution committee. Along with all other states, NSW supported the new structure by voting for the constitution at the Special General Meeting on 25 June.

Will NSW be a part of the new structure sometime down the track? NSW already operates under its own Unitary Model, however there are advantages to the sport in general and to NSW Touch in particular in having NSW on board with the rest of the country in the new national structure. The issues presented by the sheer size of the organisation will have to be worked through. However, the issues can be addressed and it is anticipated that NSW could join the new national structure in the near future.