Bible Society NSW (Corporate Conversion) Bill 2008
OBJECTIVES:
The objects of this Bill, the Bible Society NSW (Corporate Conversion) Bill 2008, are for the organisation currently known as the “New South Wales Auxiliary of The British and Foreign Bible Society”, which is currently registered as a statutory authority, to
·seek registration as a public company by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001,
·to amend the New South Wales Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society Incorporation Act 1928,
·and to change their name to “Bible Society NSW”.
COMMENT:
Last year marked 200 years since the work of the Bible Society began in this country. In 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was established in Britain as a non-denominational, ecumenical and non-sectarian Christian charity that exists to make the Holy Bible available throughout the world. It works to translate, revise, print and distribute affordable written and audio bibles in many dialects and languages, including Braille, in order to reach all people.
In 1817, the Society came into being in New South Wales by an Act of the NSW Parliament and reflected the fact that most of the founders and migrants to Australia were from Christian cultures, either Catholic or Protestant. Early members of the Central Methodist Mission in Sydney, now known as Wesley Mission, were instrumental in establishing the Bible Society here, along with members of the Benevolent Society. It is linked with 140 other national Bible Societies and together they distribute most of the world’s Bibles, supplying scriptures to churches, prisons, schools, youth groups, individuals and communities, locally and abroad.
In their 2007 Annual Report, Chairman Richard Halstead, and CEO Daniel Willis remarked that after wide consultation, much debate, discussion and prayer, the members of the Bible Society NSW had determined that changes in governance responsibilities meant it is in their best interests to convert from a statutory corporation to a company limited by guarantee as the best practice corporate governance model. Members unanimously voted to adopt a new set of Rules, and a new constitution, and to move towards incorporation.
After the incorporation has been accomplished they are ensuring that the organisation established in 1817 is the same organisation today, and remains fully focused on its mission, which is expressed this way:
“To achieve the widest possible, effective and meaningful distribution of the Holy Scriptures, by providing the Word of God to people in a language they can understand, in a format they can use, and at a price they can afford, and helping people to interact with the Word of God…”
The proposed Bill authorises and facilitates the transfer of incorporation, and following the introduction of the Bill, the Bible Society NSW will be able to apply to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) for registration as a Corporations Act company limited by guarantee.
CONCLUSION
This same process was approved here for the corporate conversion of both the Royal Blind Society and the Australian Gas Light Company, so it is appropriate for us to also enable the conversion for the Bible Society.
I commend the members and volunteers of the Bible Society NSW, and worldwide, and admire the wonderful work it does.
I commend the Bill to the House.
REV THE HON. DR GORDON MOYES AC MLC