by CCH President,  Alan Stubenrauch
(July 2007 Vol 1. Issue 3)

Alan Stubenrauch

Presentations made by eight organisations focused on three options for the way forward for the profession:

• a state model along similar lines to the one operating successfully in Queensland whereby each state would form its own representative body and delegates from each of the state bodies would form a national umbrella organisation

• a  new national body to be created by those present at the meeting

• the established CCH national model

At the end of a full day of lively debate and discussion, it was agreed that a decision needed to be made as to which of the three options would best serve the interests of the profession. 

The outcome was overwhelming majority agreement that the existing model for a national representative body, as presented and represented by CCH, be used as the working model with which to move forward and that a weekend forum be hosted by CCH in Melbourne on October 27th/28th to continue to fine-tune the CCH model to meet the needs of the whole profession.

“We made history today” was but one of many similar comments made by delegates after the meeting had finished and it was, indeed, the willingness of the majority of the participants to step out of a long history of disagreement and fragmentation that made this possible.

I cannot adequately express the enormous appreciation I feel for the positive vision and fervent desire for unity expressed by those present at the Brisbane meeting; for the unerring support of the organisations and individuals who are already members of CCH and for the tremendous dedication, energy and sheer hard work of the members of the CCH Executive Council.

It is my most ardent wish that this spirit of cooperation and unity will continue to strengthen and flourish as the profession moves forward.