21 resolutions in 21 days – Episode 15

Why we are specifying three-year terms for Directors

AMT currently operates with one-year Director terms that can be renewed indefinitely through annual renomination. This is less than ideal for a few reasons. First, it creates a cycle of constant uncertainty where directors barely have time to learn their roles before renominating. This makes long-term planning challenging and leaves governance vulnerable to annual disruptions. However, the flipside of having a one-year term is the risk of entrenchment. There is currently no ceiling on the number of times an AMT Director can renominate annually, year in. year out. And let’s face it, the US Supreme Court is all the evidence needed to show that lifetime appointments are a truly terrible idea! And we thought updating the AMT Constitution was hard …

This proposed change introduces three-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms, which we believe is the sweet spot between annual chaos and lifetime entrenchment. The structure balances experience with renewal. Three years is long enough for directors to learn the role, contribute meaningfully, and see projects through. Two consecutive terms allow for continuity while ensuring regular turnover brings new perspectives and ideas – stability without stagnation.

Term limits prevent governance knowledge from concentrating in a few long-serving individuals. More members gain Board experience over time, creating a deeper pool of potential leaders and strengthening AMT’s overall capacity. It’s succession planning in action, ensuring that AMT isn’t dependent on any single person or small group for institutional memory and leadership.

Are you joining us at the Special General Meeting on October 19?

All AMT members are welcome to attend. Please register here.

Unable to attend but still want to exercise your democratic right? Complete a proxy voting form and return it to AMT Head Office.

This is Episode 15 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: Conflict resolution. Yes, it’s a resolution about managing director conflicts of interest. It’s also a dad joke. Sorry.