Salient

I approached last week’s VUWSA exec meeting with trepidation – tension is in the air at VUWSA, and it’s nearly election time. I was expecting a wild ride. As I sat down at the meeting room table I immediately blanched at the meagre offerings that had been provided. I wasn’t in the mood for capsicum. It just wasn’t one of those days.

There was very nearly a full bench at court this week. Everyone was present with the exception of Queer Rights Officer Rachael Wright, who is still boycotting meetings in protest, Women’s Rights Officer Georgina Dickson and Activities Officer Fiona McDonald. Such a turnout has been unprecedented in all my observations of the Exec, so I knew something important was about to go down.

I was soon to find out. Within minutes of the meeting opening, it was mooted that the VUWSA Change Proposal be placed in the agenda under urgent business. This radical document has been making waves, and the Exec was keen to talk about it. Secondly, they wanted to discuss the VUWSA elections, and needed a report on when and where they were to be held.

Before the fireworks, however, formalities needed to be attended to. The President and all three Vice-Presidents had not done any work reports.

To President Joel Cosgrove’s credit (and I don’t do this often), he has been busy kicking arse and taking names while negotiating compensation for long suffering Unicomm residents. Look out ING, Joel Cosgrove is on to you.

William Wu was awarded a summer bonus of $200 for all his good work. The exec admitted to not yet appointing a Returning Officer for the upcoming elections. They’ve assured me there will be one by Monday.

The Exec turned to the Change Proposal – and immediately went into committee due to “matters of commercial sensitivity.” I was instantly struck by paralytic boredom. I can’t report what was said – but my god, I thought my brain was going to melt and trickle out my nose. Actually, that’s a little unfair. The Change Proposal is really important moment for VUWSA.

It radically alters the way the organisation is structured, and Campaigns Officer Sonny Thomas indicated to me after the meeting that it could save thousands of dollars in costs. Copies of the proposal can be picked up from VUWSA, if you feel compelled enough to take a look. You do fund it, after all.

The Exec wrapped up with a motion that established a decision panel for the VUWSA Change Proposal, and a second motion was passed sending the proposal to the panel for consultation.

I got ready to go, but not before Melissa Barnard was co-opted onto a board that oversaw the running of the bar. Clubs Officer Katie de Roo confirmed that “[Melissa] has great experience,” and Brown questioned: “Are shots provided?”

I reanimated my tired legs, shook my head, and got out of there as fast as I could.

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