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2026 Nominations for election of PWDA Directors

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is a national disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation made up of, and led by, people with disability.

PWDA is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation.

PWDA is currently calling for nominations for four (4) Director positions on the PWDA Board.

People with all kinds of disability, from diverse backgrounds and from all states and territories are encouraged to consider nominating.

PWDA Guide for Board Director Nominations 2026

Please read the PWDA Guide for Board Director Nominations 2026 for detailed information about:

  • the role of a PWDA Board Director
  • eligibility requirements
  • nomination requirements
  • required checks and documents
  • how nominations are assessed
  • the election process.

About the nomination and election process

  • Nominations open on Wednesday 1 July and close on Monday 20 July at 5:00pm AEST.
  • Late or incomplete nominations cannot be accepted.
  • All nominations are assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria outlined in the PWDA Guide for Board Director Nominations 2026.
  • Submitting a nomination does not mean you will automatically proceed to election.
  • The Nominations Sub-Committee, under authority delegated by the PWDA Board, will review nominations and recommend which nominees meet the eligibility and selection criteria. The PWDA Board will confirm which nominees meet the eligibility and selection criteria.
  • If more than four (4) nominees meet the eligibility and selection criteria, an election will be conducted in accordance with the PWDA Constitution.
  • The Returning Officer, Freyja Tasci of GoVote, has been appointed to manage the election process.
  • Newly elected Directors will take office at the PWDA Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12 November 2026, which will be held online via Zoom.
  • To protect the integrity of the election process, only members recorded as current members by midnight on Friday 10 July 2026 will be eligible to participate in the 2026 Board election and AGM voting process.

How to submit a nomination

There are two ways to nominate:

  • Self-nomination: You nominate yourself for the position of Director.
  • Nomination by another member: Two (2) PWDA members nominate another member for the role.

Both nomination pathways require support from another current PWDA member acting as a seconder.

You must also provide:

  • contact details for the nominee, seconder and referees
  • two referees
  • all required nomination information and documents.

Nominations can be submitted by:

online Nomination form

Nomination checklist

  • Check that you are a current Individual Member of PWDA
  • Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements to nominate
  • Download the nomination form and prepare your application
  • Find a proposer and seconder (or a seconder if you are self-nominating)
  • Prepare your candidate statement and nominee photo
  • Provide two referees (who are not your proposer or seconder)
  • Gather your photo identification
  • Apply for or provide your Director Identification Number (Director ID)
  • Apply for or provide your Working With Children Check (WWCC)
  • Prepare for any required eligibility checks including 100 points of identification
  • Submit your completed nomination form and supporting documents before nominations close
  • Contact PWDA if you need accessibility supports, alternative formats or assistance with your nomination.

Important information for nominees

  • If you would like to find out if your membership status is current or wish to nominate and are not sure who else is a member who can propose or second your nomination, then please contact PWDA.
  • If you are a PWDA Board Director, you will be volunteering your time and do not get paid to do PWDA Board work.
  • Being a PWDA Board Director involves a significant time commitment, and nominees must be willing to volunteer their time and expertise to support PWDA’s work and represent its members.
  • PWDA will make reasonable adjustments and provide reasonable support to enable Directors to participate in Board work, consistent with PWDA policies and available resources. This may include support to access papers, participate in meetings, communicate, travel or attend in person where required.
  • Board meetings are scheduled approximately every four (4) weeks.
  • Board meetings may be held either face-to-face, or by videoconference or using other technology.
  • Board meetings are usually held on a Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Sydney time) or by arrangement of the Board.  Your food, travel and accommodation will be paid for by PWDA for face-to-face meetings.
  • PWDA may also contribute to professional development to support PWDA Board Directors to fulfill the requirements of their role.
  • PWDA Board Directors may also be required to assist in Board Advisory Groups, Working Groups or Board Sub-Committees. Advisory groups are usually held monthly.
  • The President and Treasurer are also required to attend Finance and Risk Committee Meetings. These are usually held bi-monthly on Mondays, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Sydney time).
  • Directors are required to attend compulsory Board induction and training sessions.

Jump to: Who can become a PWDA Director

Who can become a PWDA Director (eligibility)

To be eligible to stand for election as a Member Elected Director, you must:

  • Be an Individual Member of PWDA
  • Be 18 years of age or older and be a resident of Australia
  • Be nominated by two (2) PWDA members (you can nominate yourself as one of the two)
  • Not have been an employee of PWDA in the last 12 months
  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills or experience relevant to their role on the board
  • Be committed to the purpose and activities of the board
  • Meet the legal requirements to be a company director
  • Provide photo identification. You can find information on how to obtain photo identification here: PWDA Resource How to access photo identification in Australian States and Territories
  • Complete required background and eligibility checks
  • Provide two (2) references
  • Complete all required nomination documentation and ensure it is received by PWDA by the deadline.

You cannot be a Director if:

  • You are bankrupt
  • You are disqualified from managing corporations
  • You have certain criminal convictions, are subject to relevant criminal proceedings, are disqualified by a court or regulator, are currently bankrupt or subject to a personal insolvency agreement, or are otherwise disqualified from managing a corporation or acting as a responsible person of a charity
  • You do not complete required checks
  • You do not provide required documents.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements or do not complete the required checks, your nomination cannot proceed.

Resources

Nomination documents

Easy Read nomination documents

PWDA Constitution

2026 Board Director Nomination and Election Information Session

On Wednesday 24 June, PWDA held an online information session inviting people to learn more about the 2026 Board Director nominations and election process.

We have included the recording below for anyone who missed the session or wants to rewatch.

2026 PWDA Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of People with Disability Australia will be held on Thursday 12 November 2026 via the Zoom online conferencing platform.

This is a PWDA members only event.

Members must register to attend.

All current PWDA Members will receive a Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) email or postal pack with information on how to register.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

PWDA is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Directors have legal and governance responsibilities under the PWDA Constitution, Australian charity regulations and governance requirements, the Corporations Act and general law.

The Board of Directors is responsible for:

  • Setting the strategic direction of PWDA
  • Ensuring the organisation is well governed
  • Ensuring the organisation is financially sustainable
  • Making sure PWDA complies with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Representing the interests of PWDA members
  • Supporting the long-term future of the organisation.

PWDA Directors are volunteers. Directors are not paid for their Board role, but reasonable travel and support costs are covered.

There are currently 6 Directors. The PWDA Board can be comprised of up to 11 Directors.

9 of the Director positions are reserved for, and may only be filled by Member Elected Directors; and 2 director positions are available, and may only be filled by Board Appointed Directors.

There is no limit on the number of board members per state, as long as the total number of Directors does not exceed 11.

Being a Director is a governance role. Directors are legally responsible for the governance of the organisation.

Much of the work of the PWDA Board happens through preparation, meetings, committees, decision-making and oversight. It may not always be visible to members, but it is essential to PWDA’s accountability, future and impact.

Directors are expected to:

  • Attend Board meetings (approximately every 4 weeks)
  • Read Board papers and prepare for meetings
  • Participate in strategic planning and governance decisions
  • Participate in Board committees or working groups if required
  • Act in the best interests of PWDA at all times
  • Follow the PWDA Constitution, policies and procedures
  • Understand issues affecting people with disability
  • Represent PWDA appropriately.

Board meetings are usually held monthly, in the evening and may be online or face-to-face.

The roles are:

  • President
  • Up to 2 Vice-presidents
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary

The PWDA Board of Directors elect these roles.

Yes, if they are a PWDA current member, meet eligibility and they have not served for more than 4 years continuously.

You can still nominate and someone from the Nominations Working Group or Board will become your seconder if your nomination is deemed eligible.

There may be times when a Director’s personal interest or interests can come into conflict with the responsibility to act in the best interests of PWDA.

There are three types of conflicts of interest:

  • Actual: where you are being influenced by a conflicting interest
  • Potential: where you could be influenced by a conflicting interest
  • Perceived: where you could appear to be influenced by a conflicting interest

Conflicts of interest do not automatically disqualify a person from serving as a PWDA Board Director. They are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Conflicts of Interest may include:

  • Holding a senior leadership or governance role in another organisation where the interests of that organisation regularly conflict with PWDA’s interests or advocacy positions.
  • Having significant financial interests that could influence, or be seen to influence, decisions made by the PWDA Board.
  • Being employed by, or having close financial ties to, organisations that receive funding from PWDA or regularly seek contracts with PWDA.
  • Having personal, family or business relationships that could affect independent decision-making.
  • Having legal, financial or other obligations that would prevent a person from acting in the best interests of PWDA.
  • Being unable or unwilling to disclose and appropriately manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Disclosing and managing conflicts of interest is a requirement for Responsible Persons under the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission Governance Standards.

In the Nomination Form, Nominees are required to complete a declaration and disclose relevant information, including conflicts of interest and any matters that may affect their eligibility to serve as a Director.

If relevant information is not disclosed, this may affect whether a nomination can proceed, whether a nominee is found eligible to stand for election, or whether they are able to serve as a Director if elected.

PWDA is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Directors have legal and governance responsibilities under the PWDA Constitution, Australian charity regulations and governance requirements, the Corporations Act and general law.

Directors must:

  • Act in good faith and in the best interests of PWDA
  • Act with care and diligence
  • Not misuse their position
  • Declare conflicts of interest
  • Act honestly and fairly in the best interests of PWDA and for its charitable purposes
  • Not misuse information obtained as a Director
  • Ensure PWDA’s financial affairs are managed responsibly
  • Comply with Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards applying to responsible people
  • Make sure PWDA can pay its debts
  • Make sure financial records are kept properly
  • Participate in Board decision making
  • Stay informed about the organisation’s activities and finances.

Directors can face legal consequences if they do not meet these responsibilities.
Because of this, the PWDA Board requires all PWDA Directors to complete background and eligibility checks before being appointed.

To determine your eligibility as a candidate for the election of Directors of the PWDA Board, we will ask you to complete the following checks. PWDA can support you in this process.

  1. Apply for or provide a Director ID number
    1. Apply for or provide a Working with Children’s Check (WWCC)
    1. Complete a National Police Clearance

PWDA will also conduct the following checks.

  1. ASIC Banned and Disqualified Register
  2. ACNC Disqualified Persons Register
  3. Bankruptcy Register Search
  4. Reference checks

The outcome of these checks will determine your eligibility to be appointed as a PWDA Board Director. You will not be able to proceed with your nomination or appointment if you do not complete the required checks. The costs will be covered by PWDA.

Meeting the legal and constitutional eligibility requirements means a nomination can be considered. It does not automatically mean that a nomination will proceed to election.

The PWDA Board and Nominations Working Group will assess eligible nominees against the selection criteria. The criteria are designed to consider lived experience, disability rights knowledge, values, Board capability, conflicts of interest and the overall needs of the Board.

The purpose of this process is not to require every nominee to already have every skill needed for Board service. It is to understand what each nominee brings and whether they can contribute to the responsibilities of the Board.

The PWDA Board and Nominations Working Group may conduct interviews with eligible candidates between Monday 6 July 2026 – Wednesday 6 August 2026.

As part of the assessment process, PWDA may ask nominees why they want to join the Board, how they understand the role of a Director, and how they would contribute to PWDA’s governance, values and purpose.

If the number of successful nominees is more than the number of vacancies available on the Board, then the Board of Directors will put the selected nominees forward for an election process.

Need Help Or Support?

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PWDA | 1800 422 015 | pwd@pwd.org.au

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Resources and Easy Read Documents

Easy Read nomination documents

PWDA Constitution