G21-D001 Establish a Constitution Renewal Commission

Submitter Name

Colin Griffiths

Ratification Vote Results: Adopted

Proposal

Direct Federal Council to establish a participatory Constitutional Renewal Commission led by professionals experienced in drafting constitutions, and, based on best practices, draft a new Constitution that is well structured, easy to understand, and capable of serving the party well into the future, for adoption by members at a Special General Meeting within 18 months.

Objective

The GPC has functioned for the last 30 years with a constitution prepared before there were elected Green representatives. The Constitution reflects the historical progress of the party, with incremental changes over the years. It is proposed to revise the Constitution to better meet the needs of this century.

Benefit

A renewed Constitution will enable the party to face its democratic challenges. Improved, more transparent and accountable internal management with strengthened liaison with local associations and members will better integrate our grassroots into the operation of the party, which is more consistent with the values and principles of the GPC.

Supporting Comments from Submitter

The Constitution is the basic law under which the party operates. The performance of the party, internally and electorally, shows serious issues with how we are organized. Substantive revisions to the Constitution are required to reverse this performance. A change in leadership is not enough; we need a change in how we manage ourselves. There are no specific constitutional changes proposed by this motion, save a general improvement in the clarity of the document; removal of redundancies and anachronisms, and renewal of its democratic nature.

Green Value(s)

Participatory Democracy