How the Avant Board delivers for members
Seeking your vote in the Member Director Election
As members of our mutual, we have a say in how Avant is run. The majority of the Avant Mutual Board must be members – here to represent doctors across the entire membership.
This year, two director positions are available for practising doctor members to serve on the Board. Voting members like you will decide who is elected, with voting open from 14 October to 9 November.
Before you decide who to vote for, I encourage you to consider, not only the skills and experience of each candidate and their ability to effectively contribute as a board member, but also the characteristics that will best reflect our broad membership.
As part of the process of preparing for this election, the Board reviewed the competencies and skills of our current members, in the context of the emerging challenges facing our profession. That exercise highlighted the importance of having a board that closely resembles the membership in terms of craft group, cultural background and gender mix.
Accordingly, the Board Election Committee evaluated all members who nominated and endorsed the two candidates who most closely possess the skills, experience, competencies, diversity, attributes and characteristics we are seeking to complement the ongoing Board.
May I say that it was encouraging to see so many members from so many different craft groups nominating themselves for the director role this year. This is a sign of a healthy, engaged membership, and I thank every candidate who put themselves forward.
We have ten members standing this year, including the two members endorsed on the recommendation of the Board Election Committee. You will find information from all the candidates on our Avant Election webpage. I encourage you to consider this before you cast your vote.
As members, we joined Avant for one reason above all: the confidence that it will be there when we need it. A key role of the Board is to set the agenda and ensure the organisation's financial stability, so reliable, sustainable support for members can continue throughout their careers.
I’m proud of how Avant has provided this confidence to members over the years I’ve been on the Board. The fact that 98% of members choose to renew their membership each year shows us we have earned your trust. But the Board and executives never take this for granted. We continually work to address ongoing external challenges and make sure Avant evolves to better meet member needs.
Member engagement with Avant’s governance is important in ensuring your mutual continues to thrive. Make sure you take advantage of being a member and vote. Electing directors with the right skills and genuine diversity of experience ensures Avant stays focused on what matters most to members.
Election results will be announced at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 18 November. Please note the AGM will start at 6.00pm AEDT to give more members the opportunity to join us either in person or online.