Timeline of Key Events

2019/2020

  • WIRES received an unprecedented $100 million, compared to a previous annual income of $4 million.

2021

  • Introduction of policy changes, a new Welfare Team, and a volunteer Rescue 101 program.

  • Member concerns were ignored.

  • Welfare Team began inspections of senior carers.

  • New vet check policy created problems: unpaid vets, lack of wildlife specialists, and unnecessary stress on animals.

  • Head Office expenses and staff numbers rose sharply.

 

September 2023 – SGM 1

  • First Special General Meeting (SGM): tied the vote on adoption of a new constitution to transferring WIRES to a company structure.

  • Proposed constitution:

    • Removed Rescue & Rehabilitation from WIRES’ core Objectives.

    • Required members to reapply annually.

    • Created a Nominations Committee with veto power over Board candidates.

    • Introduced vague activities, including advocacy for illegal practices.

  • Governance experts described it as “a business plan” focused on funding, not wildlife.

  • Members rejected the constitution.

 

March 2024 – SGM 2

  • WIRES Board made minor changes but added a new category: ‘Authorised Person’, creating confusion over membership rights.

  • Members again did not accept the constitution.

 

July 2024 – SGM 3 (called by members)

  • Members secured consent from 172+ members to call their own SGM.

  • Proposed a constitution based on ACNC guidelines:

    • Preserved democratic member voting.

    • Retained the Public Gift Fund Committee.

  • WIRES denied access to the Register of Members, limiting communication.

  • Members created WIRES Members – Vote to Keep Wildlife in Our Hands on Facebook.

  • Both constitutions failed to reach the 75% required for Special Resolution.

  • Ordinary Resolution passed: members would transfer to the new company with only written agreement.

  • The Members’ Constitution received 48% support despite limited access; the ProLegis Constitution received 56%with heavy promotion by HO.

 

September 2024 – WIRES Ultimatum

  • WIRES gave members 7 days to “click to agree” to the ProLegis constitution to remain members.

  • Many refused, choosing integrity over compliance.

  • WIRES transferred to ASIC, excluding those who didn’t click — effectively removing them from membership.

  • Members were left questioning their licensing, insurance, and ability to rescue wildlife.

October 2024 – WIRES correspondence stated:

November 2024 | Legal Action Commenced

  • Members initiated legal action in the NSW Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of excluded members (now labelled Authorised Persons).

  • The the cases challenge the process undertaken by WIRES which disenfranchised approximately one third of WIRES members.

  • The actions focused on restoring democratic member rights and protecting the future of WIRES.

December 2024 - WIRES AGM held 

  • The newly disenfranchised members were not invited to attend the AGM. 

2025 Legal Action progressed

  • An attempt at mediation in March failed to find an agreement. 

April 2025

  • WIRES wrote to members and admitted to ‘irregularities’ in their transfer to a Company limited by guarantee and outlined they would take steps to rectify these irregularities.

July and August 2025 - SGM 4, 5, 6 & 7 were held 

  • A further 4 SGMs were held in July and August as WIRES attempted to make amendments to the original 2007 Constitution that members would find acceptable.  

  • 5% of WIRES members called a further Members SGM to vote on the removal of 4 Board Directors. WIRES refused to accept the results of this SGM despite 84% of members that attended voting to accept their removal.

  • Many members were confused and overwhelmed by the processes and the approach taken by WIRES. 

October 2025 - SGM 8

  • The SGM held on 1 October finally saw members approve a slightly amended version of the 2007 Constitution. The simplest proposition finally achieved the required 75% approval of members.

WIRES held an AGM on 11 October 2025 to elect a new Board - many members are concerned at the failures of transparency around these elections during a time of constitutional uncertainty. 

Third Supreme Court matter instigated by WIRES

Having a constitution finally approved by members, WIRES instigated a third proceeding in Supreme Court - an application for the court to approve orders under s1322(4) of the Corporations Act. 

A s1322 is a request to rectify procedural matters in an organisation. The court must be satisfied that the matters to be rectified were procedural, done in good faith, to approve the application would be 'just and equitable' and there has been no substantial injustice. 


While this matter is ongoing, the other two Supreme Court cases are paused. 

The hearing for the s1322 matter is set for 24th February 2026. 

Ongoing

Reclaim WIRES continues to advocate for:

  • Transparency in decision-making

  • Respectful consultation with members

  • Volunteer-led wildlife care at the heart of WIRES’ mission