Families Tasmania Fighting On

Media statement – Families Tasmania, 30 October 2023

The fight for the future of Families Tasmania is not over!

Members and Life Members of Families Tasmania are continuing to lobby for the future proofing of the 106yr old organisation (formerly known as Child Health Association Tasmania).

On Saturday 30th September, six volunteer board members sent the organisation into liquidation with Rodgers Reidy, under a purported Voluntary Members Liquidation. Members and supporters of the organisation rallied to legally challenge this, and it was overturned on Wednesday 4th October as an ‘invalid appointment’.

No members, life members, stakeholders, staff or funders had been notified by the board prior to this explosive move.

After the organisation was returned to the board on the 4th October, they then re-engaged Rodgers Reidy on 9th October, this time as an administrator.

On the 13th October, the board issued a statement via Rodgers Reidy, two weeks after attempting a liquidation, stating:

“The decision to appoint an Administrator over our organisation has not been taken lightly. It is rooted in our unwavering commitment to ensuring the ongoing delivery of essential services to the Tasmanian community. We believe that by taking this step now, we can provide the best opportunity to transfer our programs to other reputable providers seamlessly. This will help to ensure that the valuable services Families Tasmania has offered will continue to be accessible to the community we have served with dedication and care.….

While the decision to wind up the organisation has been heart-wrenching for the Board, it provides us with the best chance of ensuring Tasmanian communities can continue to access programs and services. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been a part of the Families Tasmania journey – our staff, volunteers, partners, and the families and children we have had the privilege to serve.”

This narrative rings hollow to members, who attended a meeting with Rodgers Reidy on 16th October, and have yet to receive any financials or minutes to corroborate the claims being made by the board, after multiple requests.

No evidence has been proffered to demonstrate the board’s claim of this move being “the best opportunity to transfer our programs to other reputable providers seamlessly”.

Assets are frozen, offices stripped bare and the Administrators process alone is estimated to cost between $30 – $40k, clearly wasting the funds of an organisation that was built on the hard work and volunteering of women and men across the state, for generations. Funds that should be going directly to supporting programs for Tasmanian families.

Legal action continues to challenge this appointment and the actions of these six volunteer members who couldn’t wait till the scheduled AGM on 19th October to address any concerns with the members and follow due process. Scrutiny must be placed directly with the Board and Administrator so members and staff of the organisation may understand why this devastating decision was taken.