In a 2010 discussion paper on the new Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Group (MAG) I warned that MAG had to have an independent secretariate or Vicroads would use the minutes etc. to suit VicRoads/TAC/Police. The Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) had become a rubber stamp for the public "service" and constituted sham consultation with stakeholders.
Sanitising minutes is a way some "administrators" use to control committees. Keeping minutes late so committee members waste valuable meeting time attempting to correct changes and trying to get omissions included that discussion time on matters of importance to riders is lost. In my opinion minutes manipulation was a major problem for VMAC. MAG meets only four times a year.
Presumably that's eight hours "consultation" with selected stakeholders each year. Time wasted on incorrect minutes is significant.
MAG members are in effect picked by VicRoads. Rider Reps who don't fit the VicRoads/TAC/Police preferred pattern don't get a seat on MAG.
MAG rider reps should ring the MAG Secretary at VicRoads and ask why the agenda for the coming February meeting is late and what stakeholders can put on that agenda. I reckon the answers will be the VMAC favourites, "unforseen complications held up the agenda" and "the agenda is already set so stakeholders cand add nothing", perhaps not in those words. A late agenda item may be put in general business and discussed if there is time. With only eight hours a year, available discussion time for important motorcycle community generated items will be minimal or nil.
MAG should have an independent secretary and a neutral, central meeting place like the Melbourne Town Hall.
Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne
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