Thursday, 28 November 2024

Probus clubs

Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:35): (1346) My matter this evening is for the minister for community services, Minister Williams. This also provides a unique opportunity to do a bit of a shout-out to my local Probus clubs. In particular I speak of the Mitcham Nunawading Probus, the Ringwood East Ladies Probus, the Ringwood Clocktower Probus, Vermont South Probus, Blackburn South Probus and of course Forest Hill Probus. The reason I give them a shout-out of course is because of the critical role they perform in our local communities. I am sure every member present is familiar with their work. The basic function or purpose of a Probus club is to provide a regular setting, a gathering if you like, for retirees in local communities who appreciate and value the opportunities to meet one another with similar interests. The reason I am raising them tonight though is a matter which has come to my attention and which I understand they have also collectively approached the minister in respect to. Keep in mind that the Probus clubs are not for profit, nonsectarian, non-political and entirely volunteer managed. In fact there are in the order of 1500 Probus clubs right across the country.

Currently in this state when a Probus club need to alter their constitution – or constitutions across the state – or when they need to make applications for incorporation, they are subject, like any club, to fees. Consumer Affairs Victoria have in recent times lifted those fees. Previously the fee for an application for incorporation was $230.60. To register changes to their constitution it was $198.80. The new charges have now taken effect. Those charges now are for a lodgement $477 and $413.40 for registration of changes to a constitution. If you multiply those increases in costs, these are over 100 per cent. That would require the Probus clubs right across Victoria to find something in the order of $320,000 and $370,000. These clubs do not have those kinds of funds; they simply do not. I understand they have approached the minister and expressed their explicit concern. They have expressed to the minister their concern not only that they cannot raise that but about the burden this places on them, being voluntary, not-for-profit organisations that bring retirees together. I would urge the minister to take urgent action to ensure that with the fee hikes Probus clubs are not subject to these fees and that they can continue, as they are required to, to not only maintain their records and update their constitutions as need be but do so in a way that does not jeopardise their future financially and the viability of the individual clubs.