Activism Leadership Committee Nominations
Activism Leadership Committee Nominations
Nominations for Amnesty International Australia's Activism Leadership Committees.
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Here you’ll find information about General Meeting Voters, Activism Leadership Committees and the Annual General Meeting.
Nominations for the 2022 General Meeting Voters and Activism Leadership Committee members were called on 25 February 2022 and closed on 25 March 2022.
Elections were held from 8 – 22 April 2022, using the Scottish Single Transferable Voting system. All Members were invited to vote. In the interest of transparency in all our elections, the results of elections are made available to members on request.
Below is the list of Activism Leadership Committee members and General Meeting Voters who have nominated for 2022.
Table of Contents
General Meeting Voters – get your voice heard!
General Meeting Voters (GMVs) are members elected by their region to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting. Only General Meeting Voters have the right to vote on resolutions to set Amnesty International Australia’s direction, for board members and for other key positions.
Nominations closed on 25 March 2022.
Number of General Meeting Voter positions available for each region in 2022:
The number of positions available in each region is calculated as per the Constitution and based on the numbers of members as at 1 February 2022, which was the census date approved by the Board for 2022:
- ACT/Southern New South Wales: 7
- New South Wales: 14
- Queensland/Northern New South Wales: 9
- South Australia/Northern Territory: 7
- Tasmania: 6
- Victoria: 14
- Western Australia: 7
Up to three reserve positions are available in each Region. To be successful a General Meeting Voter or General Meeting Voter Reserve, candidates need to receive at least five votes.
Term of position: The position is until the announcement of the 2023 GMV election results and the primary commitment is around the time of the Annual General Meeting.
Nominations closed on 25 March 2022.
General Meeting Voters in 2022
Australian Capital Territory & Southern New South Wales
Christian Lambang Fonye
Christian Lambang Fonye is currently one of the Regional Presidents for the Activism leadership Committee of the Australian Capital Territory/Southern new South Wales. He was a member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and well being Steering group of Amnesty International Australia (AIA) and an adviser to the “My neighbor Campaign” which advocates for a fair and expanded community sponsorship program for refugee resettlement in Australia. He is a member of the National Amnesty refugee network and has worked across key campaigns ranging from refugee rights, indigenous rights, climate justice, and anti-racism. Christian previously worked as a Protection Officer with Cameroon’s National Human Rights Commission and currently serves as a Housing manager with the Community Services Directorate. As a senior United Nations fellow of the OHCHR program for people of African descent, he explores global platforms in promoting inclusion and anti-racism in Australia and the world. He looks forward to promoting a rights-based approach to development and security by amplifying the call for a federal Human Rights Act in Australia. He seeks to harness the power of collaboration in equipping emerging leaders, driving youth engagement, and fostering a joyful resistance through sustainable activism.
New South Wales
Peter Baldwin
Former member of federal parliament for the electorate of Sydney and federal minister for higher education and social security.
John Della Bosca
Throughout his career, John has been committed to Human Rights and social justice. In public office he consistently worked to harness the potential of policy innovation to improve social outcomes and human rights for the marginalised and vulnerable. John has also had a long involvement with the work of Amnesty.
John, as an NSW Minister, was responsible for a wide range of social innovations and rights-based reforms across various portfolios. John was responsible for the Medically Supervised Injection Centre and major drug policy reform; universal no-fault cover for the traumatically injured in Motor accidents; Stronger Together which introduced a client directed approach to Disability services based on International Human rights conventions and principles; chain of responsibility laws in the clothing and textile and transport industries to secure the rights of vulnerable workers; forcing the ratification of the ILO convention on Child Labour by all Australian jurisdictions.
John has been active in Amnesty campaigns since his early twenties with a special interest the extension of Amnesty activities to a wider public. John’s priorities include refugee rights, the rights of First Nations peoples and the long-term Amnesty concerns with oppressed minorities and the illegitimate persecution of dissidents.
Declan Davis
Declan Davis is currently a member of the NSW Activism Leadership Committee and member of the National Amnesty Refugee Network. He is 27 years old and lives in Sydney.
Declan is a long-time supporter of Amnesty and has experience on the ground across a number of campaigns (state elections, federal elections, etc.) and also experience working on issue-based campaigns (republican movement, voluntary-assisted dying, modern slavery, etc.). He joined the NSW Activism Leadership Committee last year to help support Amnesty’s fight for human rights across the world and here in Australia.
Declan wants to see Amnesty continue to shine a torch into the darkest areas, onto issues that other organisations (governments, private companies) would rather pretend didn’t exist. Declan is keen to grow Amnesty’s reach and membership and ensure it remains an effective force for change.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford and MA from Peking University. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Melanie Fernandez
Melanie Fernandez is the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research at Chief Executive Women.
Melanie is an advocate and activist who is committed to human rights, gender equality and bringing about long term change to address disadvantage.
Melanie has worked in leadership roles in grassroots, membership-based and NGO organisations. Melanie has previously been the Deputy CEO of the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), Chair of the Women’s Electoral Lobby Australia, and Steering Committee member of Equality Rights Alliance.
Melanie led NCOSS delegations to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the 61st and 62nd sessions held at the United Nations in New York.
Ajoy Ghosh
Ajoy is currently serving a second term as a National Director. He was initially appointed by the Board for his expertise in digital and cyber security and sits on AIA’s Audit & Risk Committee and Chairs the IT Roadmap Steering Committee. He has a deep interest and expertise in Digital Rights and is liaising with Amnesty’s Digital Verification and Tech Labs.
He is a recognised expert in IT Governance and Cyber Security who for the last 20+ years has sat on the committee oversighting Australian and International technology governance and cyber security standards. He lectures in Digital Forensics at UNSW Sydney and the Australian Defence Force Academy and has served as an expert in high profile and politically sensitive Australian cases such as British American Tobacco, Oil for Wheat, James Hardie, Visy cartel and human rights and war crimes matters internationally.
Ajoy has a lived experience of diversity, inclusion, and racism, coming to Australia with his Bengali parents in 1971 and growing up in the industrial city of Newcastle. As a dark-skinned police officer serving in inner Sydney in the 1990s, he saw the worst and best of Australia’s civil (and not so civil) society.
He is socially conscious having served NSW as a police officer, public servant and consultant to government and in 2016 was appointed onto the Board of St John Ambulance NSW (3,000 volunteers and 200 staff) where he served for two terms. Ajoy has also worked with various charities, including The Smith Family. He currently serves on the Advisory Body for the Defence Employer Partner Network (i.e. Defence Reserves Support) and the Cyber Security Committee for the Australian Computer Society.
Silvia Greco
Silvia Greco is a translator and journalist. Before moving to Australia she has lived in Italy and in the US. She is the convenor for the Eastern suburbs group in Sydney and she is also part of the NSW ALC. She is interested in governance, human rights education particularly in schools, as well as climate change and Indigenous rights.
Chris Holley
I am a long term member, supporter, activist and former staff member of Amnesty Australia and Amnesty’s International Secretariat. I am currently a member of the NSW Activist Leadership Committee and the Activist Skills Collective. I am committed to building Amnesty Australia as a powerful, democratic movement for human rights.
Gabrielle Kavanagh
Gabe is a current board director of Amnesty International Australia. Gabe has been an active member of AIA for fifteen years, taking part in a range of campaigns and holding a number of positions in the organisation.
Gabe has been a board director since 2011 and held the position of board chair from 2016 to 2020, and has served on the board’s Governance and International Issues Committees. She has also served on the NSW Branch Committee, including as NSW Branch President.
Gabe is a passionate activist and in particular has focused on women’s rights both through Amnesty’s campaigns and having served as a member of the boards of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia and the Women’s Electoral Lobby.
Gabe has worked in not-for-profits and trade unions for over a decade and currently works as the strategic campaigns manager at the Health Services Union. Gabe holds a Bachelor of International studies and a Juris Doctor.
Carol King
I am a long-term Amnesty supporter and volunteer, with experience as an activist, a
group convenor, Secretary and President on the NSW Branch Committee, (now ALC) from 2007 – 2018, and a member of AIA Governance Committee, a committee of the AIA Board. I am currently deputy Chair of the Activism and Membership Committee, and throughout 2021 I chaired the Steering Committee for the first fully activist-organised and activist-led national Activism Forum. I have also been a voting member on all but one AGM since 2007 and I have worked on the committees preparing the AGMs during that time. The passion, talent and devotion of Amnesty’s members and activists for ending human rights abuses anywhere they occur, constantly inspires me. It is a privilege to be a part of our ongoing efforts strengthening the grassroots governance of the movement, and building Amnesty International Australia as a diverse, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable grassroots movement making a strong contribution to AI’s global work defending human rights. I hope to have the opportunity of representing you as a General Meeting Voter at the 2022 AGM and helping to ensure that the voices of our grassroots remain at the forefront of all our work.
Helen Lee
Amnesty International is an organisation that I have always supported, which is why I
became a member. Its history in championing the many Human Rights issues from around the world speaks for itself. I work with children in a multicultural and diverse area and see first-hand the hardships that they & their families face. I have for many years worked with children who are from refugee families – assisting them in settling into their new country and new school – it is a cause I strongly support and I know that in becoming a member of Amnesty International I am supporting an organisation that helps people from around the world who are suffering.
Belinda Neal
Belinda has a passionate interest in human rights. Her observation of inequity in the global and local community confirmed to her the importance of campaigning for positive change. She is an active member of the NSW Activism Committee and the editor of the ALC Newsletter. Belinda is keen to make activists the centre of decision making at Amnesty and to ensure they are supported to enhance their ability to campaign for human rights.
Belinda spent 20 years in politics including as a Shadow Minister, Senator, a Member of the House of Representatives and Chief of staff to a NSW Minister. She was a Councillor on Gosford City Council.
Belinda is a lawyer who is mainly engaged in the Not for Profit and disability Sector. She is particularly skilled in advising on how to influence government through public affairs campaigns which engages the public and community consultation around regulatory issues. Belinda has extensive experience as a Director. She is enthusiastic to utilise these skills to enhance the capacity of Amnesty to defend human rights.
She holds both a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of International Law from Sydney University. She also holds a diploma from Berkley University in Economics for Business.
Sandra Nori
Joined Red Cross as 8 year old community work with street kids at 16 wayside chapel . Helped set up south Sydney women’s centre 1975 coordinator for a couple of years. Migrant workers Leichhardt Women’s community health centre after uni for approx 3 years. NSW parliament 1988 to 2007 Minister for last 8 year prior to retiring Various NFP board positions since retirement and some commercial boards retirement Member of Avalon amnesty group. Member and donor to Amnesty for many years.
Georgina Perry
As a member of many years, a past Board Member and President I am passionate about the work of Amnesty International. I would be delighted to support its ongoing democracy through this important role.
Kevin Sweeney
Kevin Sweeney is currently the Amnesty Regional President for NSW, a member of the NSW Activism Leadership Committee, Convenor of the National Amnesty Refugee Network and Convenor of the Newcastle Action Group. He has been a long term supporter of Amnesty International. He is a firm believer in the importance of defending human rights as a means of creating a more just society. He is particularly passionate about: bringing an end to the Australian Government’s blatant disregard for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers; ending offshore and indefinite immigration detention; and ending the inappropriate and counterproductive incarceration of children in our justice system.
Queensland and Northern New South Wales
Rachel Baggoley
I have been a co-convenor of my local Amnesty Group in Brisbane for the past 5 years. I am also a member of the QLD/NNSW ALC (and before that the Branch Committee). I am nominating to be a GMV for the fourth year.
Ruth Gould
My name is Ruth Gould, Co-Convenor of the Amnesty Chermside action group in northern Brisbane since 2018 and member of the QLD / NNSW Activism Leadership Committee since 2021. I have been an activist since 2015. I am passionate about equality and freedom for all people. I enjoy working with our strong team of local activists including on successful stalls and events with petitions for Community is Everything, Write4Rights, refugees and women’s rights. We attend community rallies and engage with MPs and international Governments through writing emails and letters for urgent cases. I work in a non-profit and completed postgraduate studies in social science. I attended Amnesty’s AGM as a General Meeting Voter in 2019 and 2021 so understand the requirements of the role. I would aim to represent diverse QLD/NNSW activists and bring back ideas and knowledge to share. I try to listen to the range of activist interests and understand the ways in which Amnesty challenges injustice, and I support collaboration in our movement.
Peter Hanley
Peter has been a member of Amnesty International Australia since 1993 and soon after that became convenor of the Townsville AI Action Group – a role he has held off and on ever since. He joined the Queensland NNSW Branch Committee of AIA in 2004 and was Queensland NNSW Branch President from 2005-2008. In 2009 at the National Annual General Meeting (NAGM), Peter was awarded the national June Fassina Award for his extensive contribution to the defence of Human Rights. Peter has been on the Queensland NNSW Activism and Leadership Committee since 2018. Peter believes one of AIA’s great strengths is that it is a member-led organisation and members do have a say. That is one reason he is nominating as a General Meeting Voter (GMV) at the 2022 AGM – another is to catch up (virtually) with many friends, activists and staff, in the Amnesty family.Peter retired in 2014 after more than 20 years working as a Learning Adviser at James Cook University.Outside his involvement with Amnesty, Peter is Secretary of the North Queensland Conservation Council and a member of the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Committee at James Cook University. He loves walking, cycling, sea kayaking, and singing.
Madelaine Wood
My AIA journey started in 2013 as member of the Gold Coast group where I was promptly appointed the role of Group Convenor. In my six+ years as Convenor, I efficiently led our group of eight providing training, support and expert knowledge on our campaigns and strategies in addition to engaging effectively with stakeholders within our community, working collaboratively to promote AIAs campaigns and foster change. My interest in AIA’s governance grew and by 2014 I had became a voting member and joined the QLD/NNSW Branch Committee (now called the ALC) where I have been leading activism and growing support in my region for nine years. I have been a General meeting Voter for four AGMs and have a good understanding of AIA’s governance and resolution process. In 2014, I joined the CIE Campaign Tactics Team where I assisted in the development and implementation of a national and local organising strategic and was responsible for leading and reporting on the campaign in my region. My knowledge and skills were used to develop campaign materials and resources, deliver training and ongoing mentoring through various methods, while leading on mass mobilisations to maximise public support. In 2019 the QLD/NNSW ALC elected me Regional President, a position I proudly remain in today. I work within our leadership team to ensure that regional initiatives are consistent with AIA’s strategic goals, vision and priorities. Assist in determining the direction and strategy of the movement and aid in the development and implementation of the regional plan. I have a fathomless passion for human rights and aim to inspire long term passion and commitment from our region. I aim to increase diversity and membership while advocating for rights holders and supporting the sustainable growth of our people powered movement.
South Australia and Northern Territory
Kia Devine
How I joined Amnesty: I joined Amnesty in April 2021 as a volunteer in the NT region. My interests are: Indigenous rights, raising the age of criminal responsibility, refugee rights, the right to freedom of speech and implementing a national Australian human rights act.
Sarah Faulkner
I have been an active Amnesty volunteer since 2014 when I first joined the SA/NT Branch Committee now known as the ALC. Across my time as a volunteer with AIA, I have acted as Secretary and Co-Vice President for the Branch Committee, as a Community Organizer, as well as Chair of the International Issues Committee. I have been an active member of activism in my local region in previous years and been a delegate for over five previous AIA AGMs.
Tim Green
I am a current co-president of the SA/NT ALC. I have been a member since last year, and an activist since 2017.
Deanna Hall
My name is Deanna Hall and I wish to nominate as a general meeting voter for the 2022 Amnesty International Australia AGM for the SA/NT region. After completing a degree in International Relations in 2014, I worked as a volunteer in the Amnesty International SA/NT office, which gave me a fantastic background and overall understanding of Amnesty’s work at a grass roots level. I am particularly passionate about refugees. I have been a member of Amnesty International for 7 years, and up until 2020 held the position of Vice President of the SA/NT ALC. Outside of Amnesty I am an event manager, and I have utilised my skills to manage and assist with a number of small- and large-scale events for Amnesty International, including a national Amnesty conference/AGM, as well as fundraising and outreach events. Although I am no longer a member of the ALC, I strongly believe in the work we still have to do here in SA and in Australia as a whole.
Vicki Jacobs
I have been a member of AIA for over 30 years during which time held various positions from group member, group convener, Branch/Regional (ALC) committee member and President and most recently AIA Board member. I am particularly interested in the Raise the Age, Death Penalty and Human Rights Act campaigns and enjoy both the campaigning/activist and governance roles in the organisation. My work experience has taken me in a number of directions, with the last number of years working in Aboriginal Health and more recently Mental Health. I am also a non Executive in a large Domestic Violence Service and Trade Union. My qualifications in Psychology and Business Management equip me well in my day jobs as well as in my capacities in AIA. The above learnings and experiences also bode well in my capacity to be a General Meeting Voter for the Annual General Meeting.
Adelaide Xerri
I am currently the Co-President of the SA/NT Activism Leadership Committee after being the Vice-President in 2021. With my background in event management, I have initiated multiple SA based events for Amnesty and the local communities. I am also the Youth Delegate for the International Issues Committee and will be attending the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum in 2022. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development and wish to pursue a career in the space of human rights and sustainability.
Tasmania
Zainab Clark
Currently a member of the TAS Activism Leadership Committee and the CIE National Working Group. Was co-convener of the Tasmanian Southern Group for five years, instigating the Uyghur Campaign in Tasmania and the 2020 Human Rights Day celebration in Franklin as well as co-convening many successful large events. I have attended four National AGMs and been a General Meeting Voter at three, as well as attending Lead Activist Workshops. Since joining Amnesty in 2015 I have been raising awareness of human rights through community engagement with main focus on the rights of First Nation Australians, Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Uyghurs and the Write for Rights campaign. I have campaigned strongly to Raise the Age of Criminal Responsibility and Aboriginal-led justice reinvestment to be put in place. My qualifications are in Welfare and Training & Coordination of Disability Services.
Sarah Holloway
I am nominating for the Tasmanian ALC and GV positions. I am a lawyer, who has been involved with Amnesty since high school. I have previously served as a director on the National Board, on the Victorian and Tasmanian Branch Committees, and was part of the 2013 International Council Meeting AIA delegation. I am a member of the North West Tasmania local group. I am interested in renewing our activist structures in Tassie, and organising workshops or other ways of connecting to allow activists and group convenors to share skills and create new campaigning opportunities. I have masters degrees in human rights law and business management, as well as professional experience working as a lawyer with marginalised clients to help them access justice and realise their rights.
Victoria
Fiona Bachmann
It is as important as ever in a world of conflict to light a candle against the darkness. Those that can need to make a stance for those that don’t. Not doing so risks condoning the injustice of the world that Amnesty is there to prevent. I’ve been part of grassroots activities; stalls, petitions, forums, art exhibitions, letter writing, and distributing flyers and badges. I was actively involved in the NSW Branch Committee (BC) for six years, committing to representing Amnesty speaking at events, forging relationships, and raising awareness outside of Amnesty. It is important to both create awareness of and make positive change in upholding human rights issues. I am the Co-Vice President of the Victorian Activism Leadership Committee (ALC). On the BC and ALC I have attended most meetings, training, and consultations, and feel I provide a worthy contribution.I have an economics and commerce background, and work as a Business Analyst undertaking financial modelling, business planning, strategy, and risk management, bringing a commercial, and practical view to governance. Having previously served four years as NSW NAGM delegate and one year as VIC GMV I have the relevant qualifications to be a GMV.
Chanphyna Bou
I am a highly passionate and engaged human rights defender. During the day, I fight for justice for vulnerable members of the community as a lawyer, and by night, I defend human rights as a grassroots activist. I currently work at Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and I am a Board member of Fitzroy Legal Service. I have been a longstanding Amnesty International Australia (“AIA”) activist. My previous roles included the treasurer for Victoria Branch Committee, the Community Organiser and Social Media intern, convenor of the Get Active Network, mentor of the Women’s Rights Defender’s Network, a voting delegate at AIA National AGMs and a member of the Refugee Network, Focus Leadership Group and the Victoria Branch Committee. I am currently a member of the Victoria Activism Leadership Committee. Other social justice organisations that I have volunteered at included the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Darebin Community Legal Centre, Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition, and the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival.With over 8 years’ experience as an Amnesty activist, I am excited to continue being a member and activist of the Amnesty global movement to empower and motivate our activists, defend human rights and build a stronger and fairer community.
Michael Dundon
I joined the Board of Amnesty in 2019 and am Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee. I have a background in financial services and in the last 9 years I was the CEO of large not for profit superannuation fund. I am a passionate advocate for human rights and have been involved in indigenous education programs, as well as programs supporting asylum seekers for education and job opportunities.
Suzan Gencay
Suzan has been part of Amnesty International for over 15 years having become involved as a High School student and went on to convene her University Group. She joined the Victorian Activism and Leadership Committee (aka: Branch Committee) in 2013, was elected as Secretary in 2014 and in 2020 as President. She has been an AGM Observer/Delegate for seven years and worked with her fellow committee members to host Amnesty International Australia’s first combined Human Rights Conference and AGM in 2014 at Victorian Parliament House. She is the mentor for the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Network. Suzan works as a lawyer in the social justice space and is passionate about therapeutic justice. More recently she has gained experience in public law, privacy and risk analysis. She’s a contributor to the Fitzroy Legal Service Law Handbook and other legal resources.
Ian Gibson
Ian has held positions in leadership and governance in Amnesty International at a regional, national or international level continuously since 1983. He received the June Fassina Award in 2020 and was a GMV in 2021. His preoccupations in AI are its internationality and the consequent responsibilities of sections and structures, good governance, AI’s evident contribution to civil society, and the importance of membership and therefore members to AI’s distinctive identity and effectiveness.
Thomas Jessup
I’m a current Victorian ALC member who currently works as the Human Rights Intern at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the South East Asian Regional Office. I’ve studied at 9 different tertiary institutions across the globe, most recently having graduated from a Masters of Public and International Law, majoring in human rights law, with First Class Honours at The University of Melbourne, and undertaking the United Nations Institute for Training and Research’s Human Rights Council Training Programme. Alongside Amnesty, I volunteer with 14 different organisations that all share the common theme of seeming to improve enjoyment of human rights for vulnerable and marginalised groups, including asylum seekers,LGBTQI+ persons, HIV+ persons, and young homeless women. I have been recognised as an emerging leader globally, the Australia-China space, and the Australia-ASEAN space, and I’m looking forward to making a difference locally, regionally and internationally. Human rights advocacy is a demonstrated passion of mine and I look forward to playing an active role in shaping the direction Amnesty takes with a position as a GMV can provide.
Andrew Liew
I have been involved with Amnesty since 2017 on the Activist Leadership Committee. I love sharing ideas and thinking of different ways to engage people about human rights. With the challenges of the pandemic, it is has become even more important that we continue to shine the light on injustice and empower people in the community. I hope to continue to contribute to Amnesty’s valuable work.
Katrina North
My name is Katrina North and I have been an activist with Amnesty International for over twenty years in Australia and while living in the UK. I have a passion and strong commitment to social justice and human rights both at a local level and around the world. I am currently a member of the Activism and Membership Committee, a subcommittee of the AIA National Board. I was on the Victorian ALC for nine years and for over two years held the position of Regional President. I am also the Convener of my local AI North East Metro Group and I feel this this gives me a strong understanding of what matters to our grassroots activists and our local community.
Susanna Ritchie
I joined Amnesty not long out of uni back in 2012, and to this day I have remained a consistently active and passionate member of Amnesty International Australia. I am committed to ensuring our Voice of Membership model is brought to life at our AGMs, and would be honoured to represent Victorians members in this important event. Over the years, I have been a Chair of AIA’s Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Steering Group, Victorian Branch President (2013-2015), Regional Representative/Board Director (2015-2019) and a member of the Footscray/Williamstown Action Group. I have previous experience as a General Meeting Voter (2013, 2014 and 2019-2021). During my time as Branch President and then as a Board Member, I helped drive and design AIA’s new membership growth strategy and AIA’s recent governance reform. I was also an early member of the Board’s Activism and Membership Sub-Committee and helped establish its role within our organisation. I’ve had over a decade of advisory experience in both private practice and government. I lead a thriving workplace relations consultancy and law firm helping to unlock people power in business as well as in the community.
Emma Turner
I have been passionate about Human Rights and Equality for the majority of my life. In 2015 I joined the Monash Caulfield Amnesty International group helped plan several successful including a movie night, panel, and Candlelight vigil. In 2016 I became the secretary of the Amnesty Monash Caulfield. In 2017 I joined the Amnesty Pop Culture and I became a co convener is 2018. As part of the Pop Culture event, I helped plan several successful events. In our most recent event, we collected over 1000 signatures. I have also been a co convenor of the Victorian LGBTIQA+ Network since 2019.
Emily Watson
I would be honoured to be elected as a GMV for Victoria this year. Since relocating from Perth to Melbourne last year I have enjoyed meeting fellow Victorian activists and working together to challenge injustice. I hope to ensure that Victorians are fairly represented and that all voices are heard at the upcoming AGM. For the betterment of our movement and for those who face injustice.
Clive Weston
I became an active member and volunteer of Amnesty International in mid-2018 after retirement from legal practice as a sole practitioner for 25 years and as a life member of the Eastern Community Legal Service. Initially I joined the Individuals at Risk Network Group before being invited to fill the vacant position of Secretary with the then Victorian Branch Committee then continuing as a member of the Victorian ALC. I have been fortunate to attend the 2018 NAGM and EGM and observe the introduction of Amnesty’s new Governance and Constitutional reforms, and attended the 2019,20 and 2021 AGMs as a voting member. I would welcome the opportunity to partake as a voter again. My roles within the VALC include helping Victorian Regional groups and assisting new Activists following Get Active Sessions in Victoria. As a member of the Nunawading Group, I look forward to a return to more face to face campaigns and events and in particular, promoting and succeeding with the Raise the Age Campaign during the coming year. In these challenging times I believe that it is important that Amnesty keeps its focus on the core values for the protection of human rights and find new and innovative ways to attract members. My other interests include marine and environmental conservation.
Anne Wright
I have been a member of Amnesty for over 20 years and a member of the AIA Governance Committee (a Board Committee) for 8 years, 4 of which as Chair. I also worked on the Rethinking Governance project which has resulted in a new era for Amnesty in Australia. I would welcome the opportunity to continue making a contribution by voting at General Meetings. I see it as vitally important that the correct people, in terms of skills and diversity, are elected to the Board to ensure that the organisation goes from strength to strength. Competition for funds was tough even before the pandemic. The strategy of the organisation, good governance and quality decision-making is increasingly important in this environment and will be key in ensuring that our mission and values are fulfilled and our goals are met, both in Australia and globally.By way of professional background, I am a lawyer with over 20 years’ experience, having consulted as a governance specialist to a range of organisations and have held senior governance positions in the financial services and not-for-profit sectors.
Western Australia
Bruce Campbell
Hello, I have been a member of Amnesty for two years, joining via my interest in the Indigenous Rights Group in WA. I am non-Indigenous, however I have been active in being an ally to Indigenous Activists from 2008, when I joined the Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc. I was the Secretary of the DICWC from 2010 to 2016. During this time the DICWC was successful in winning change that led to the end of imprisonment of unpaid fines and the implementation of the Custody Notification Service in WA. I have been on the Amnesty WA ALC for one year and was a GMV voter last year as well. I am also a Trade Unionist (2002 – present), presently with the CFMEU, I certainly believe in Worker’s Rights. I support all Amnesty objectives and processes. Personally, I am a single dad, so I enjoy time with my 9yo son, we like to go camping about WA and finding ‘treasures’ in op shops. Thank you.
Melani De Alwis
My activism journey started in my high school Amnesty club and I’ve been part of Amnesty International ever since! I had an amazing time in Amnesty International UWA, running campaigns such as the Freedom Flowers Campaign, Hong Kong human rights events, publishing bi-annual periodicals featuring human rights articles written by students, and running refugee rights events. My interests include providing engagement opportunities for activists, fighting for education rights and highlighting the importance of altruism in society.
Chelsea Francis
Chelsea Francis is a current Business Human Rights Consultant at an international commercial law firm and the Director of the Human Rights Legal Group of Western Australia (HRLG WA). Chelsea has been involved in Amnesty International in a leadership capacity since 2016. Previously, she was a Human Rights Observer (HRO) with Amnesty International’s Western Australian Branch, a GMV in 2021 and on the committee of Amnesty International’s University of Western Australia (UWA) branch for four years, including as President in 2017 and 2018.
As a legal researcher and Juris Doctor candidate at UWA, she has a keen interest in international law and public policy. Broadly, her research interests are in international soft law, human rights, technology law, and business law.
Chelsea has served in international humanitarian outreaches in refugee affairs and is passionate about her work in the human rights sector. Additionally, she has been involved in organisations including Teach for Australia, the Aurora Education Foundation, and the WA Youth Parliament in promoting relevant human rights issues.
Chelsea has also developed a particular interest in technology law. She wants to see an expansion of Amnesty International’s digital rights initiatives, particularly considering the human rights implications and the importance of such rights in the contemporary digitalised world.
Euan Gleeson-Brown
Hi everyone! I’m Euan, the current WA Regional Co-President, and have been involved in Amnesty since 2018. From then my interest has only grown as I had the chance to be involved in some amazing events, like organising and packing sanitary packs for homeless women and supporting rallies for the Tigray and Sudanese communities. I’ve also been inspired to pursue this because of the brilliant and inspiring people I met along the way. The activists, volunteers, staff and community leaders that are involved are the most passionate, dedicated and kind-hearted people you’ll meet. This will be my fourth AGM and I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of strong governance and accountability within Amnesty. Thanks!
Richa Malaviya
R
icha has been involved with Amnesty International since around 2014, and has undertaken a variety of roles in both a volunteer and staff capacity. Her interests include Indigenous rights, diversity, human rights, inclusivity and cultural representation. In 2014, Richa commenced as the PA to the then Indigenous Rights Manager, Tammy Solonec, assisting with the launch of the Community is Everything campaign. Thereafter, she became the WA Youth Advisory Group representative, and then the WA Branch Secretary. She moved into the staff role of Indigenous Rights Campaigner assistant and on conclusion of that role, became the Vice President of the WA Branch. Over the last year, Richa has acted as Joint President of the WA ALC and continues to focus on working with partnerships which celebrate diversity and celebrates self-determination of Rights holders. Outside of Amnesty, Richa is a Civil and Family Lawyer working exclusively in family violence prevention matters.
Greg Stitt
Hi, I’m Greg and one of those “rusted-on” Amnesty supporters. I have the pleasure of being co-convenor of the ever-committed Mt. Lawley Group. I joined this group about thirty years ago and have had a lot of great company since – standing on stalls, collecting tickets at film nights, selling raffles at quiz nights, organizing, tidying, and writing many, many letters to governments. I was a member of the WA Branch Committee (now re-named the Activism Leadership Committee) and rejoined it in 2007. I was Branch President 2009-2014 and have the continuing joy of belonging to an ALC group who constantly surprise me with their talents, networks and commitment. My special thanks to the constant hard work of longtime Regional President Leonie Alexander and executives Euan and Richa. I was a ten year member of the national board from 2009 and worked on various of its committees including Activism & Membership, Audit & Risk, and Diversity. I’m now a member of another hardworking group in the national Activism and Membership Committee (special thanks to Carol King from NSW). I’ve enjoyed the company of many activists and look forward to continuing to support and be supported by the passionate people of Amnesty.
Activism Leadership Committees – Lead local human rights activism!
Activism Leadership Committees help motivate, coordinate and develop local human rights activism. They mentor and support activists and action groups, and participate in consultations on our vision, campaign priorities and policies. They are at the centre of our work promoting human rights.
Activism Leadership Committees have up to 12 members.
Find out more about the role and responsibilities of Activist Leadership Committee Members.
Number of Activism Leadership Committee positions available in each region in 2022:
- ACT/Southern New South Wales: 6 in class B
- New South Wales: 5 in class B
- Queensland/Northern New South Wales: 6 in class B, 2 in class A
- South Australia/Northern Territory: 6 in class B, 2 in class A
- Tasmania: 6 in class B, 4 in class A
- Victoria: 6 in class B
- Western Australia: 6 in class B
Term of position: Where there are class A and class B positions to fill, candidates with the most votes will be appointed in class B (for two years from 2022).
Nominations closed on 25 March 2022.
Activism Leadership Committee candidates in 2022
Australian Capital Territory & Southern New South Wales
Anna Conyers
I have had an association with Amnesty International for 20 years as a donor and Human Rights Defender. Since 2017 I have been an active member of the Wagga Wagga Letter Writing Group which meets monthly to write for Urgent Actions. I have also attended local Amnesty Events to hear speakers including Mark Isaacs, David Mann and Shankar Kasynathan, assisted on the Amnesty Stall at local festivals and marched for Climate action under the AI banner. In 2021 I joined the National Amnesty Refugee Network which meets monthly and have taken ideas from these meetings to the local group. I am very heartened when we hear that an AI action has resulted in a positive outcome. This is what keeps my hope alive for a better, more just, world.
Joe Guarnieri
My journey with Amnesty started in late in 2020. I made the decision early in my life to work towards making the system fairer for those individuals who fall on unfortunate circumstances which result in their human rights being compromised or denied. During 2021, I worked as part of the ACT/SNSW ALC to put on events and undertake activism in our area. I became interested in looking at the different ways our volunteers could grow and develop as Amnesty activists. As a result, I worked on developing strategies and project plans on the Activist Journeys project. Part of this work involved my fellow ALC team member and I giving a presentation at the Activism Forum on the Activist Journeys project. More recently, I have taken on a coordination role in the ACT for promoting National human rights legislation reform and the need for a National human rights Act for Australia. This is something I believe to be fundamental for improving human rights protections for Australians and asylum seekers/refugees from abroad. I am currently working together with my ALC to organise an important Town Hall community discussion between human rights advocates in the ACT and ACT Federal electoral candidates running in the forthcoming election. I look forward to continually growing as an activist within Amnesty and working with my Amnesty family to improve the
human rights of individuals in Australia and abroad.
Christian Lambang Fonye
Christian Lambang Fonye is currently one of the Regional Presidents for the Activism leadership Committee of the Australian Capital Territory/Southern new South Wales. He was a member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and well being Steering group of Amnesty International Australia (AIA) and an adviser to the “My neighbor Campaign” which advocates for a fair and expanded community sponsorship program for refugee resettlement in Australia. He is a member of the National Amnesty refugee network and has worked across key campaigns ranging from refugee rights, indigenous rights, climate justice, and anti-racism. Christian previously worked as a Protection Officer with Cameroon’s National Human Rights Commission and currently serves as a Housing manager with the Community Services Directorate. As a senior United Nations fellow of the OHCHR program for people of African descent, he explores global platforms in promoting inclusion and anti-racism in Australia and the world. He looks forward to promoting a rights-based approach to development and security by amplifying the call for a federal Human Rights Act in Australia. He seeks to harness the power of collaboration in equipping emerging leaders, driving youth engagement, and fostering a joyful resistance through sustainable activism.
New South Wales
Chris Holley
Long term Amnesty member, supporter, activist and former staff member. Previously Head of Activism at AIA, member of AI’s Global Group on Activism, Senior Activism Adviser at Amnesty’s International Secretariat. Joined the NSW ALC in 2021. I have an extensive background in building successful social change movements and campaigns in Australia and overseas. I want Amnesty’s campaigns to be driven by well-designed, collaborative and strategic campaign plans and a strong and effective people-led movement that deliver real, measurable impact in protecting and extending human rights.
Brian Mason
Turning on the evening news is too often a harrowing experience. The number and scale of problems facing us and the attacks on people’s right to organise here and around the world demand a response. I would like to contribute to Amnesty’s work in building an activist led people powered movement for human rights here in NSW. In 2021 I joined Amnesty’s national Activist Skills Collective. I have become familiar with Amnesty’s approach to skills development and training. I have contributed materials on strategy and campaign planning and ideas on better linking training with skills in campaigns. My working life was with several unions. I have experience in organising, planning campaigns, negotiation, and advocacy for working people. My work was directed by committees of management made up of activists. On retiring from paid work, I became involved in community organising for environmental organisations in my hometown Wollongong. I have governance experience in committees of management and boards of directors including as a trustee of Australia’s largest superannuation fund. I would like the opportunity to further contribute to Amnesty’s vision of open and inclusive communities.
Kevin Sweeney
Kevin Sweeney is currently the Amnesty Regional President for NSW, a member of the NSW Activism Leadership Committee, Convenor of the National Amnesty Refugee Network and Convenor of the Newcastle Action Group. He has been a long term supporter of Amnesty International. He is a firm believer in the importance of defending human rights as a means of creating a more just society. He is particularly passionate about: bringing an end to the Australian Government’s blatant disregard for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers; ending offshore and indefinite immigration detention; and ending the inappropriate and counterproductive incarceration of children in our justice system. Kevin is a medical practitioner and has worked in senior management in health service delivery and medical education. He has a sound understanding of strategic planning, policy development, corporate finances and the effective operational implementation of policies and programs. Kevin is looking to make a broader contribution to the strategic direction of Amnesty International Australia and bring the perspective of activists to strategic and policy decisions.
Queensland and Northern New South Wales
Philip Armit
I retired from teaching in 2016. I joined Amnesty International Toowoomba Group in 2016 and worked the Community is Everything campaign, later Raise the Age and later on actions related to winning freedom and justice for refugees and actions supporting refugee settlement in Toowoomba. I now convene the Toowoomba Group.
Madelaine Wood
My AIA journey started in 2013 as member of the Gold Coast group where I was promptly appointed the role of GroupConvenor. In my six+ years as Convenor, I efficiently led our group of eight providing training, support and expert knowledge on our campaigns and strategies in addition to engaging effectively with stakeholders within our community, working collaboratively to promote AIAs campaigns and foster change. My interest in AIA’s governance grew and by 2014 I had became a voting member and joined the QLD/NNSW Branch Committee (now called the ALC) where I have been leading activism and growing support in my region for nine years. In 2014, I joined the CIE Campaign Tactics Team where I assisted in the development and implementation of a national and local organising strategic and was responsible for leading and reporting on the campaign in my region. My knowledge and skills were used to develop campaign materials and resources, deliver training and ongoing mentoring through various methods, while leading on mass mobilisations to maximise public support. In 2019 the QLD/NNSW ALC elected me Regional President, a position I proudly remain in today. I work within our leadership team to ensure that regional initiatives are consistent with AIA’s strategic goals, vision and priorities. Assist in determining the direction and strategy of the movement and aid in the development and implementation of the regional plan. I have a fathomless passion for human rights and aim to inspire long term passion and commitment from our region. I aim to increase diversity and membership while advocating for rights holders and supporting the sustainable growth of our people powered movement.
South Australia and Northern Territory
Kia Devine
How I joined Amnesty: I joined Amnesty in April 2021 as a volunteer in the NT region. My interests are: Indigenous rights, raising the age of criminal responsibility, refugee rights, the right to freedom of speech and implementing a national Australian human rights act.
Tim Green
I have been an activist with Amnesty since 2017, and on the ALC since 2021. I am currently one of the co-presidents of the ALC and would like to continue to work on building the region and supporting activists.
Henry Phillips
I joined Amnesty in 2021 after working on human rights and moral philosophy in academic spaces. Since then I have been part of the SA/NT ALC and re-establish the SA/NT Refugee and Migrant Rights Action Group.
Tania Zeissig
Hello! My name is Tania and I joined the SA/NT ALC in June last year. Since, I have become the ALC Vice President, and have begun the SA Women’s Rights Action Group. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering for Amnesty so far, and hope to continue working with an organisation that I deeply respect.
Tasmania
Victoria
Thomas Jessup
Hello! I’m Tom. I’m a current Victorian ALC member who currently works as the Human Rights Intern at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the South East Asian Regional Office. I’ve studied at 9 different tertiary institutions across the globe, most recently having graduated from a Masters of Public and International Law, majoring in human rights law, with First Class Honours at The University of Melbourne, and undertaking the United Nations Institute for Training and Research’s Human Rights Council Training Programme. Alongside Amnesty, I volunteer with 14 different organisations that all share the common theme of seeming to improve enjoyment of human rights for vulnerable and marginalised groups, including asylum seekers, LGBTQI+ persons, HIV+ persons, and young homeless women. I have been recognised as an emerging leader globally, the Australia-China space, and the Australia-ASEAN space, and I’m looking forward to making a difference locally, regionally and internationally. Human rights advocacy is a demonstrated passion of mine and I look forward to developing my skills further for another terms with the Victorian ALC.
Andrew Liew
I have been involved with Amnesty since 2017 on the Activist Leadership Committee. I love sharing ideas and thinking of different ways to engage people about human rights. With the challenges of the pandemic, it has become even more important that we continue to shine the light on injustice and empower people in the community. I am excited about exploring new ways of activism and making a difference.
Western Australia
Bruce Campbell
Hello, I have been a member of Amnesty for two years, joining via my interest in the Indigenous Rights Group in WA. I am non-Indigenous, however I have been active in being an ally to Indigenous Activists from 2008, when I joined the Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc. I was the Secretary of the DICWC from 2010 to 2016. During this time the DICWC was successful in winning change that led to the end of imprisonment of unpaid fines and the implementation of the Custody Notification Service in WA. I have been on the Amnesty WA ALC for one year and was a GMV voter last year as well. I am also a Trade Unionist (2002 – present), presently with the CFMEU, I certainly believe in Worker’s Rights. I support all Amnesty objectives and processes. Personally, I am a single dad, so I enjoy time with my 9yo son, we like to go camping about WA and finding ‘treasures’ in op shops. Thank you.
Melani De Alwis
My activism journey started in my high school Amnesty club and I’ve been part of Amnesty International ever since! I had an amazing time in Amnesty International UWA, running campaigns such as the Freedom Flowers Campaign, Hong Kong human rights events, publishing bi-annual periodicals featuring human rights articles written by students, and running refugee rights events. I would love to use my platform with the ALC to provide engagement opportunities for activists, fight for education rights and highlight the importance of altruism in society.
Euan Gleeson-Brown
Hi everyone! I’m Euan, the current WA Regional Co-President, and have been involved in Amnesty since 2018. From then my interest has only grown as I had the chance to be involved in some amazing events, like organising and packing sanitary packs for homeless women and supporting rallies for the Tigray and Sudanese communities. I’ve also been inspired to pursue this because of the brilliant and inspiring people I met along the way. The activists, volunteers, staff and community leaders that are involved are the most passionate, dedicated and kind-hearted people you’ll meet.This will be my fourth AGM and I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of strong governance and accountability within Amnesty. Thanks!
Richa Malaviya
Richa has been involved with Amnesty International since around 2014, and has undertaken a variety of roles in both a volunteer and staff capacity. Her interests include Indigenous rights, diversity, human rights, inclusivity and cultural representation. In 2014, Richa commenced as the PA to the then Indigenous Rights Manager, Tammy Solonec, assisting with the launch of the Community is Everything campaign. Thereafter, she became the WA Youth Advisory Group representative, and then the WA Branch Secretary. She moved into the staff role of Indigenous Rights Campaigner assistant and on conclusion of that role, became the Vice President of the WA Branch. Over the last year, Richa has acted as Joint President of the WA ALC and continues to focus on working with partnerships which celebrate diversity and celebrates self-determination of Rights holders. Outside of Amnesty, Richa is a Civil and family Lawyer working exclusively in family violence prevention matters.
Jacob Stokes
I joined Amnesty in 2019 and am currently Co-Vice President. I am passionate about building Amnesty’s footprint in WA and growing membership numbers and engagement in the state. The greater Amnesty’s presence in WA, the louder our voices are and the bigger the impact on human rights we can have.
2022 Key Governance Dates
Nominations
25 February Call for nominations of ALC members and GMVs
25 March Close of nominations for GMV and ALC members
Voting
8 April Voting* opens for GMV and ALC members
22 April Voting closes for GMV and ALC members
Late April Election results announced and communicated to candidates
*open to individuals who are members by 22 March 2022
Board nominations
4 March Board nominations open
18 March Board nominations close
Annual General Meeting
14 May Deadline for draft resolutions going to the Annual General Meeting
4 June Annual General Meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
The Annual General Meeting in 2022 will be held virtually. Please note all GMVs and others wishing to attend must fund their own attendance.
Q1. I would like to be a General Meeting Voter but can’t attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year. What are my options?
Members who have been elected as a General Meeting Voter (GMV) but cannot attend the AGM can still give their proxy to another attending member (any member, not necessarily someone from the region that elected you as GMV). Ideally this will happen in advance of the meeting.
Q2. I would like to be a General Meeting Voter or Activism Leadership Committee Member, but don’t know anyone I can ask to nominate me or second my nomination. What can I do?
You can get in touch with the Regional President for your region, who will try to arrange for two members to nominate you.
Q3: Can any member second my nomination for an Activism Leadership Committee or General Meeting Voter position?
Only a member in your Region can second your nomination.
Q4. If I am a General Meeting Voter, how do I nominate a proxy?
You must be an elected GMV to appoint a proxy, and the person being nominated has to be a member. There is a sample form available for GMVs to use to appoint a proxy which must state the GMV and the person appointed as the proxy both give their consent. This form must be provided to the company secretary.
Q5. I am an elected GMV but I want to give my place to someone else – can I do that?
Only by appointing a proxy.
Q6. Can an Activism Leadership Committee co-opt a member to be a General Meeting Voter?
No, this is not permitted by the current provisions of the Constitution.
Nominating for a Board position
Q7. How do I get a mover and seconder to nominate as a Board member if I don’t know any other members?
The Nomination and Assessment Committee can find a mover and seconder for nominees.
Q8. Where do I send nomination forms?
The nominations go to the Company Secretary.
Q9: Do members elect the Board at the AGM?
No, only General Meeting Voters (approximately 55-65 members elected by their Region’s members) can vote at the AGM. However, any member or member of the public is welcome to attend the AGM (at their own cost).
Q10: I am confused by all the nomination processes (ALC, GMV, Board). Can you please explain?
As a member, you have the opportunity to engage and help shape the movement in different ways:
- Joining your Region’s Activism Leadership Committee is a great way to engage in activism activities and be a leader in your Region
- Nominating for a General Meeting Voter position means that, if elected, you will be one of the 55-65 elected members throughout the country who will elect Board members and vote on resolutions at the next AGM
- Nominating for a Board position (which happens at a later stage than 1. and 2.) means that, if elected, you will join the ultimate leadership of Amnesty International Australia. Please note that this process is managed by a Nomination & Assessment Committee, which is independent from the Board.
Any other questions, please feel free to email the Company Secretary at company.secretary@amnesty.org.au
[Last updated 1 February 2022]
Activism Leadership Committees (ALCs)
General Meeting Voter Nominations