Please find below a short statement regarding my resignation from ANPA.

Please note that the only current elected executive members are:

Tina Mathams

Kate McCann

Emily McCann

Joanna Minuzzo.

They are the only people who should be relied upon to make administrative decisions for the Association or official statements.

Please understand all of the above members are busy parents who are often ‘at capacity’. Sorting this out will take time and the people above should not be pressured or relied upon to make rapid decisions.

Further, these executive members cannot currently access the email address or social media accounts as they have been locked out by former members who refuse to relinquish the details. Any statements or emails coming from these addresses are not approved by the current ANPA executive, who represent members.

Hopefully in the coming days the NSW Secretary can intervene under the AIA and restore proper access to elected representatives.

It is important to preserve democratic functions to promote stability, safety and proper representation within ANPA. Our Constitution and Code of Ethics are being ignored, processes not followed or any attempt made to follow them, and basic democratic functions have been cast aside. These issues are not superficial; they are core to democratic function, stability and safety for all members of ANPA.

While I believe the people involved feel they are acting in good conscience, they have, in effect, used the power and access given to them in trust without any respect for members who agreed to our Constitution. Members did not agree to be ruled by a small unelected group of people who refuse to observe process to resolve issues and make decisions.

“There’s a reason democracy is the one hope that we have. Democracy means people are able to influence political choices. We’re essentially doomed if that disappears.” (Noam Chomsky)

Hopefully once basic democratic functions are restored, a new full board can be elected and we will be able to have a proper discussion about what has transpired over the last week.

All concerns and issues matter in a democracy. But what is fundamental to the safety of all, is that we listen to each other, slow down, and follow due process. We each get one vote, and we have a Constitution to follow to govern us.

x Sarah