I would recommend that each state open their own account for the receipt of membership payments. This will ensure promptness of deposits and receipts to members. For example, in Sydney, the members initiate plans for projects, and the State government granted the KSA NSW, money to carry out these projects. In granting this money, the NSW government expects that the KSA NSW will account for how the grant money has been spent, and with what results. This has meant that the KSA NSW needed to be able to manage and account for its own finances regarding these projects. As we can see, these initiatives have helped the KSA NSW further develop its role at a state level with the help of the state government. The state governments in other states also, are likely to assist the KSA in their state, if they are satisfied with the level of financial accountability and management ability and the worthwhile nature of the activity. So with these points in mind, it follows that there are many advantages of having a KSA account in each state, and an organized local financial planning team to support the Treasurer. This is not to say that good projects cannot happen at the national level, but often at the state level projects are more practical and feasible to get going, than is a larger national programme.
In South Australia, we have been doing so many activities, and these projects always get generous support from the local or state governments. So if we can do this, so can other states.
I believe it is essential that other states be encouraged to adopt this approach which has proved so successful in SA.
I noticed from the recent reports of the national team on the KSA website, that they appeared to be claiming credit for the project money granted to the KSA NSW. In my opinion, we need to remember that money granted by a state government is for that state KSA, and money granted by the national government is for the benefit of the KSA Australia. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of claiming that a successful state grant application is of benefit to the whole of the KSA, if it is focused only at a state level. After all, if it is truly on a national level, then each state can expect to be able to ask for their share in the project.
I hope I have illustrated to members, the importance of getting on with these suggested measures as expressed in the motions above. It would be great if other states considered the benefits of these practical measures, so that we can all get on with our main goals of improving the KSA in each state and nationally.
Merry Christmas to you, my brothers and sisters in the KSA. member of the ksa