INCREASED transparency and effectiveness are goals of the newly elected RSPCA Tasmania president after a long-delayed annual meeting of the troubled animal welfare group in Launceston yesterday.
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Rod Bowerman, a Hobart lawyer, was one of only two members returned to the six-strong board at the meeting, which initially did not have a quorum.
Former president Paul Swiatkowski did not renominate for the board, nor did Angela Ayling.
Mr Bowerman said after the meeting that it was hoped the RSPCA structure would change to a company limited by guarantee. This would be put to members at a meeting in September.
He said the change would strengthen the board's powers, and the organisation would report to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, meaning more governance pressure on the board. He expected the constitution would be updated and new rules introduced to make more people eligible to be directors.
``I am excited by the possibilities for the organisation,'' he said.
``Obviously it has been through some challenging times but we are keen to move on and move ahead.''
The other board members elected were: Jonathon Croome (re-elected), Patricia Gillespie, Simon Froude and Astrid Wootton. One position remains vacant.
Mr Bowerman said he was disappointed that the state government would decrease the $600,000 paid to the charity this year to $400,000 next year.
