The embattled Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) has found itself at the center of a heated debate, with a former director, Aunty Jemmes Handy, calling for government intervention. Handy, an Indigenous elder and ex-board member, believes the vote that removed her from the board was fair and legitimate, and she is now seeking legal advice. The dispute revolves around the procedures of MDAS's annual general meeting and the subsequent vote to elect a new chair and board members. Some board members, led by ousted chair Jenene Murray, have challenged the vote, citing concerns about the integrity of the ballot process. They argue that the vote was not conducted in a consistent or controlled manner, and have called for a re-run. However, Handy disagrees, stating that the election was transparent and that members voted fairly to remove her and others from the board. She believes that the disruptions at the AGM were valid questions from members about the running of the company, which were not satisfactorily answered. Handy's resignation letter to the board expresses her sadness at the impact of the behavior on the Aboriginal community and her frustration with the lack of transparency and communication. The controversy extends beyond Handy's removal, as MDAS has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court of Victoria against Nikita Hart and Tania Smith, who were elected as chair and deputy chair, respectively, after the vote. MDAS claims that the meeting to elect them did not follow proper process, but several people present at that meeting dispute this, stating that the election took place at the AGM. The ABC has obtained documents showing that members and employees of MDAS had raised multiple concerns with the board early last year, including making the members' list public and calling for a financial audit. They also requested a special general meeting, but the board decided there was no valid resolution to hold one. The Victorian government is working closely with MDAS and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to strengthen the voice of the Aboriginal community in the organization and improve its governance and management. The rescheduled meeting on February 14th will be attended by VACCHO, the peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health organizations in Victoria. The outcome of this meeting and the subsequent legal proceedings will likely shape the future of MDAS and the representation of the Aboriginal community within it.
