21 resolutions in 21 days

Episode 1: Why AMT needs clear objects in our constitution

At the end of the AMT virtual conference on October 19, we will be holding a special general meeting so that members can vote on a series of special resolutions proposing changes to the AMT constitution – 21 resolutions to be precise!

All AMT members are invited to attend the special general meeting, so you’re welcome to attend whether you plan to be at the virtual conference or not. You’ll just need to register here and show up at 2.45pm AEDT via Zoom.

Over the next three weeks, we’ll explore each of the proposed constitutional changes here – one resolution, one day, one more step towards a stronger AMT.

Constitutions are hot right now!

The recent fervour around originalism in US politics has really put the interpretation of Constitutions into the limelight. Originalists argue for interpreting constitutions based on their pure, original meaning. But even the founding fathers of the US acknowledged that effective governance documents must evolve with the organisations, societies and members that they serve.

But what would originalism look like in AMT’s case? Here’s how our actual founding fathers defined AMT’s reason for being at the very first meeting on March 8, 1966.

“The purpose of this meeting was to call together practising masseurs interested in forming an Association with the aim of:

1. Reservation of the true concept of the Massage Profession as a therapeutic art.
2. To uplift the profession in the eyes of the public of this state of New South Wales
3. To exclude all forms of malpractice.”

When AMT became an incorporated association in NSW in the 1980s, our Constitution then had about a dozen stipulations relating to acquisition and ownership of property as objects of the association. These sorts of objects were standard in Association rules in the 1980s.

Once were masseurs …

The minutes from that very first meeting of AMT in Gloucester clearly show there was a time when the term “masseur” was not stigmatic: there it is, up front and centre, in AMT’s genesis as the NSW Association of Masseurs. Could Simon Schot and Peter Derig have envisioned a future generation of therapists who would distance themselves as far as humanly possible from that much-reviled designation?

And clearly there was also a brief moment in the 1980s when AMT might have become property magnates, except that AMT President Cynthia Davis was far too busy keeping the Association afloat and fighting to clearly delineate massage therapy as a legitimate, lawful profession in the face of a corrupt police force trying to extract protection money from therapists like her.

Our constitution should reflect not only where we came from, but where we’re heading as a profession. And it has been over a decade since AMT updated the constitution so it’s starting to resemble a much-loved but worn out pair of trousers. A constitutional zhush is well overdue!

The missing piece in our foundations

Somewhere over the years, explicit objects dropped out of the AMT Constitution. While the AMT strategic plan articulates a vision, mission and values that inform all of AMT’s plans, projects, and priorities, the absence of objects in the Constitution creates a critical gap in our governance framework.

The proposed objects clearly define AMT’s purpose: to serve the professional interests of our members and advance massage therapy as a recognised healthcare profession in Australia.

The proposed objects for which AMT is established are to:

• be the leading voice of the massage therapy profession and shape discourse around the vital contribution of massage therapy to healthcare
• champion, represent and advance the interests of members of the Association and the profession
• set and uphold professional standards, promote ethical practice, and foster integrity within the profession
• deliver resources and services that support members to thrive and build sustainable careers
• influence the development of training and competency standards, and foster best practice and currency of knowledge through professional development
• advocate for appropriate regulation of massage therapy and its recognition as a distinct healthcare profession
• educate and inform the public, healthcare practitioners, and decision makers about the value of massage therapy in healthcare
• foster and promote massage therapy research and enhance research literacy across the profession, building capacity for evidence-informed practice
• advocate for the massage therapy profession with government, regulators, healthcare organisations, insurers, patient advocates, and other stakeholders.

These nine clear objects transform our broad mission into specific, actionable commitments.

Why objects matter

1. They keep us focused Every program, initiative, or expenditure can be evaluated against clear criteria. Does this advance our role as the leading voice of massage therapy? Does it help members build sustainable careers? Does it strengthen our advocacy efforts? These aren’t just abstract questions anymore – they’re concrete measures aligned with our constitutional purpose.
2. They guide decision-making When resources are limited (which is essentially always!) these objects provide the framework we need to prioritise effectively. Should we invest in research initiatives, member services, or regulatory advocacy? Our objects help us balance these priorities strategically, ensuring we fulfill our comprehensive mandate rather than focusing too heavily on any single area.
3. They create accountability Members deserve to know exactly what they are supporting when they join AMT. Clear objects make that commitment transparent. They also give our community the tools to hold leadership accountable, ensuring we deliver value in our intended areas rather than becoming scattered across competing priorities.

Any questions?

AMT is hosting two discussion sessions via Zoom for members who have any questions about the proposed Constitutional changes.

Thursday 18 September @ 7.30pm Register here

Tuesday 30 September @ 12.30pm Register here

This is Episode 1 in our blockbuster blog bonanza “21 Resolutions in 21 Days”, exploring the cases for constitutional change that will be considered at the upcoming Special General Meeting on October 19. Each change is designed to strengthen AMT’s governance and better serve members.

Tomorrow: Brace yourself for our deep dive into clause numbering – the constitutional equivalent of organising your sock drawer, but surprisingly more important for democracy. Marie Kondo eat your heart out.