This information was compiled to provide members with factual information to help them with their decision-making when it’s time to vote.

What Do We Wish to Achieve?

A safe and supportive environment for all WIRES volunteer members — where we feel valued and are never afraid to ask for help.

Wildlife welfare to remain the top priority — our native animals rely on us to speak and act in their best interests.

Policies that reflect genuine collaboration — introduced only when agreed to be in the best interests of the native species we protect and serve.

We are here for the wildlife. Let’s stay true to that mission.

Why did a significant number of WIRES members vote against the new constitution three times:

There were several key concerns:

• Lack of transparency: Members felt they were not given clear or complete information about what the changes would mean.

• Poor communication: Questions raised were mostly left unanswered.

• No real opportunity for discussion: Members were never given a chance to openly and collectively discuss the proposed changes.

• Significant loss of members’ rights: Your membership may or may not be renewed each year.

Why is the constitution such a big deal?

The constitution is the most important legal document for any organisation. It is essentially a contract between the organisation and its members. It defines how WIRES operates, who can be a member, who makes decisions, what rights members have, and how funds are managed. Every change significantly affects members and the organisation’s future direction — and once in place, it is very difficult to alter. It must be done right.

Did members understand what the new constitution would mean?

Many members felt they were not given plain-language explanations. The information provided didn’t clearly outline how the changes would affect day-to-day operations or the organisation’s core mission.

How did the new constitution differ from what members expected?

WIRES was founded by volunteers to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife. The proposed constitution appeared to shift the organisation’s focus towards becoming a national environmental body, with an emphasis on compliance, governance, sponsorship, and fundraising. To many, this marked a clear move away from WIRES' hands-on wildlife care roots.

Are we against change?

No. Many members were, and are, open to change — but the extent of the changes and the failure to properly explain them led to mistrust and confusion. Since the WIRES Board attempted to unlawfully impose its constitution last September, that mistrust appears justified — a third of members were effectively expelled for exercising their rights and not agreeing to the new constitution. They were downgraded to ‘Authorised Persons’ and have been excluded from many opportunities to participate in key decisions.

What do members deserve?

Members deserve clear answers, open discussion, and a full understanding of what each change would mean. Members expect WIRES management to work with them — not around them — when making decisions that affect the entire organisation.

Are some members just trying to cause trouble, as some social media posts suggest?

Absolutely not. The members taking legal action (in the Supreme Court, Fair Work Commission, and through letters to regulators and Ministers) are doing so out of frustration. They’ve repeatedly attempted to raise their concerns directly with WIRES, but those efforts have been ignored by the Board..

What are members concerned about?

A lack of fair and proper processes for grievances

Policies not being followed

Favouritism towards some people and bullying of others

Refusal to work with anyone who disagrees with WIRES' views or aims

A growing sense that wildlife welfare is no longer the top priority

Has the WIRES Board admitted to doing anything wrong?

Yes. In a message to members by email on 17 April 2025, the WIRES Board admitted there were “irregularities” in the transfer to a company. They confirmed that over 1,000 members — nearly one-third — were inappropriately excluded from the organisation. The Board said it would take “decisive steps to strengthen procedures to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations”, but to date, no visible steps have been taken.
The email sent on 17 April 2025 is confusing and misleading.

Why were so many members excluded?

In September 2024, members were given just seven days to accept the constitution that had already been rejected three times. If they didn’t accept it, they would be removed as members. Many members said they only agreed to the new terms because they were afraid of the consequences if they didn’t. Others refused to be coerced.

No WIRES member should have been put in such a position.

Could this have been handled differently by WIRES?

Definitely. The Board could have chosen to open transparent communication channels with all members at any point. Instead, WIRES chose a path of deflection and delay, leaving members with no choice but to pursue legal action. The Board’s response has been to avoid, deny, and delay — all of which was unnecessary and avoidable.

Is WIRES spending public donations appropriately?

This is a serious question that is difficult to answer based on the limited financial information made publicly available by WIRES on the ACNC website. Media reports have raised concerns about the slow distribution of the Black Summer bushfire funds in 2020. Greater financial clarity would help restore trust.

Have WIRES staff numbers increased?

Yes. Head Office staff have grown from 24 in 2020 to the equivalent of 73 full-time staff in June 2024. Head Office costs continue to rise steeply and unsustainably.

How much is being spent on staff and consultants?

In the 2024 financial year, WIRES spent nearly $8 million on wages and salaries, plus another $2.1 million on consultant fees. Members and the public deserve full transparency on what these fees covered.

Why are members concerned about this?

Many members feel that wildlife care is suffering while administrative costs continue to rise. Volunteers have noticed more delays in animals being rescued and/or collected from veterinary clinics.

What’s the main issue with the remaining funds?

Members want transparency about how WIRES is spending public donations. They want to understand how structural changes are affecting wildlife rescue outcomes and are calling for better financial support for frontline volunteers who care for injured, sick, and orphaned animals.