The National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously recommends the creation of a new national entity; Scouts Australia – Operations Branch (Scouts Australia–Operations Branch). This is a way for existing State and Territory Branches to voluntarily join together (legally, “merge”) if they want to.

Those that join will benefit from operating as a single organisation, while still retaining their local identity and service delivery.

Some Branches are under growing pressure from rising costs, complex administration, and increasing regulatory demands, making it harder to focus on what matters most: delivering great Scouting programs.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch offers an innovative, collaborative solution. By sharing systems, training, and best practice, it can reduce duplication, lower costs, and free up time and resources for local program delivery and member support. Importantly, it can also provide access to funding and support for Branches experiencing serious financial challenges that may not otherwise be available to them.

Ultimately, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch is about strengthening the sustainability of Scouting across Australia, so we can continue to serve young people for generations to come.

Building confidence, character, and social connection in young people has never been more important. This new structure is a way to sustain Scouting for the future. It supports stronger national partnerships, delivers cost savings, streamlines systems, and improves financial resilience, all while keeping Scouting local. It also opens the door to new opportunities and better support for members across Australia.

Yes, the decision is at the Branch’s discretion and completely voluntary. Not all Branches need to be part of Scouts Australia–Operations Branch to achieve the benefits.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will be set up over a number of months and years. The first step is the legal creation of the new entity and required constitutional changes, which Members of the National Council will vote on at the AGM in November 2025. If the vote is passed, Branches can begin implementation from there, with appropriate support.

First, the National Council will vote at the AGM in November 2025 on the recommendations to create Scouts Australia–Operations Branch and make the constitutional and by-law amendments. The vote must be passed by a two-thirds majority of National Council Members participating in the vote (or by proxy). If approved, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch is inactive until an existing Branch joins it through a legal merger.

If the vote doesn’t get passed by the National Council, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will not be established, and the opportunity to implement this shared model will not proceed.

All Members (91) of the National Council have the opportunity to vote at the AGM in November 2025. Our National Constitution requires a two thirds majority vote of those voting to amend By-Laws.

Changes relate to allowing Scouts Australia–Operations Branch to be established as a new entity under the Royal Charter and ensuring that the local interests of Branches that join it continue to be represented at the national level on relevant committees.  Detailed amendments are included in the AGM papers.

National Council is not voting on whether any specific Branch will join. Each Branch can consider this separately, in their own time, after the National Council has created the Scouts Australia–Operations Branch option.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch is a new Branch of Scouts Australia, created to offer Branches the option of joining a shared national operating structure. It will be registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), the standard legal structure for not-for-profit charities in Australia.

Once registered, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will remain inactive until at least one existing Branch legally merges into it. When that happens, operations, systems, and resources can be shared across participating States and Territories – helping reduce duplication and improve financial sustainability, while keeping programs and service delivery local.

It will be registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) – the standard legal structure for not-for-profit charities in Australia. While “company” might suggest a for-profit business, a CLG is simply the modern legal form used for organisations like ours. It ensures appropriate governance and accountability without shareholders or profit distribution.

Like existing Branches, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will also be registered as a charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, meaning donors can claim a tax deduction on eligible gifts.

For registration, we’ll also need the entity name i.e. Scouts Australia–Operations Branch, company registration, new constitution, initial directors and a registered address.

Yes. Scouting continues to be run in every State/Territory. 

The By-Law amendments, if passed, allow for those existing Branches that join Scouts Australia–Operations Branch to be represented on both the National Executive Council and National Operations Committee in the same way as they are today.  Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will also have representation on the National Council.

Day-to-day, most things will stay the same. Scouting will continue to be delivered locally, with the same focus on supporting young people and running great programs.

Depending on the number of Branches opting in, there will be little change on day one. There may be changes over time, with some roles evolving as systems and processes are streamlined.

The aim is to reduce admin, improve access to shared resources and training, and create a more rewarding experience – all while building a stronger, more sustainable organisation that better supports members into the future.

Very little will change. Members will still join their local Scout Group, take part in the same programs, and be supported by their district.

Behind the scenes, some systems may change if multiple Branches join Scouts Australia–Operations Branch, but the aim is to make things simpler, not harder. The goal is to reduce admin and improve support, so members and leaders can spend more time doing what matters: great Scouting.

Not immediately. Branches that join Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will become part of a single national legal entity, so technically they are no longer separate “Branches.” However, each State and Territory’s identity will continue to be recognised within it. Ultimately this decision will be up to new Board, leadership team and the members of Scouts Australia–Operations Branch.

The name “Scouts Australia–Operations Branch” is primarily for legal purposes and may change over time along with a new badge, scarf or logo. We’re open to ideas, so feel free to share any suggestions!

No. Scouts Australia will continue as the national policy and coordination body.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will manage its own finances, just like any other Branch. It will have its own Board, made up mostly of people who represent the different jurisdictions within it. This Board will be responsible for overseeing financial decisions and ensuring the organisation remains financially healthy and serving the best interests of its members.

When a Branch joins Scouts Australia–Operations Branch, its assets such as Scout halls, equipment, and income streams are transferred over.

Some assets, known as “Special Assets” e.g. grants, bequests, donations, foundations, or commercial enterprises, may be treated differently. Wherever possible, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will continue to use these assets in line with their original purpose, location, and the intent of the donor or funding source.

Yes. The original intent of these “Special Assets” will be respected wherever possible, even when not contractually or legally binding.  Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will work with Branches to ensure these are honoured as intended.

Existing grants held by Branches that join Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will continue to be managed in line with their original terms and conditions.

In future, any new grant applications made by jurisdictions within Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will need to be supported by its Board. This is a standard governance process and should not prevent grants being secured for local needs — for example, to build a Scout hall or other community asset.

No. Scouts Australia–Operations Branch is not designed to avoid or shield assets from any existing or potential legal claims. Scouts Australia and its Branches will continue to meet all legal obligations, regardless of whether Scouts Australia–Operations Branch exists or not.

No. All legal obligations, including redress, will continue to be honoured. Joining Scouts Australia–Operations Branch does not reduce a Branch’s responsibility to Survivors or the Scheme.

Scouts Australia is committed to meeting its moral and legal obligations in full. Any structural changes, including the creation of Scouts Australia–Operations Branch, will not change our responsibility or ongoing participation in the Scheme.

While properties are held under several different arrangements (e.g. leased from governments councils, managed by third parties or licensed from local land authorities) we expect most will transfer smoothly, with approval from relevant authorities. Legal and tax implications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, there are several complex legal factors including the type of merger being entered into, the State/Territory legislation for property transfers, employment law and many other legislative requirements.

We will have to seek advice in some circumstances, and it may be difficult to answer every question quickly as some answers will require specific guidance. It should get easier as we move through the process as many of these questions will be similar from one Branch to the next.

Not necessarily. The aim is to reinvest savings from shared services into local Scouting. Budgets will be managed with both local and national priorities in mind, ensuring each State or Territory team within Scouts Australia–Operations Branch has the resources it needs to support members.

To improve efficiency and reduce duplication, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch may consolidate some operational functions, but only if it’s in the best interests of the organisation and its members.

Examples include shared membership systems, joint procurement and innovation pilots. Savings may be returned to originating Branches or reinvested in national programs.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will be governed independently, with its own Board and Branch Council, just like any other Branch. The Board is accountable to its members through the Branch Council, which represents the Scouts Australia–Operations Branch membership.

While Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will receive financial support from Scouts Australia to help ensure continuity across the country, it will not be run by Scouts Australia. However, Scouts Australia will have representation on the Scouts Australia–Operations Branch Board to support national alignment and coordination.

This governance structure ensures that decisions are made in the best interests of members across all participating States and territories.

Technically, the Branch that joins Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will no longer exist as a separate legal entity, but Scouts Australia–Operations Branch does not replace local Branches from an operational or location perspective. It continues to provide programs for local members. Scouts Australia–Operations Branch is for existing State and Territory Branches to voluntarily join together (legally “merge”), if they want to.

Structurally and legally, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will be no different to other Branches. Each has its own Board, finances, and responsibilities. Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will simply provide a shared operational platform for Branches that choose to join, while maintaining local identity and service delivery.

Yes, it’s just the same as any other Branch. Once established, Scouts Australia–Operations Branch will be responsible for the financial health and operations of the Branches that choose to join it.

Yes, initial funding will be provided by Scouts Australia National to support the establishment and early operation of Scouts Australia–Operations Branch. This reflects the importance of ensuring a strong and viable foundation during the transition phase.

National funding is not expected to continue long-term. The goal is for Scouts Australia–Operations Branch to become financially self-sustaining through improved efficiency and shared services. Ongoing financial support from National would be limited and strategic.

• The Chief Scout
• The Chief Commissioner (or Chief Commissioner Designate)
• The President of the Branch Council
• The Vice President(s) of the Branch Council
• Three nominees of the National Association
• Commissioners appointed by the Chief Commissioner (appointment made at least 30 days prior to notice of a General Meeting)
• The Chair of the Branch Rover Council
• Up to 20 Lay-Supporters of the Scout Movement, with no more than ten also being Adult Leaders
• Up to 30 youth members (Uniformed Members under the age of 26) nominated by the Chief Commissioner or their delegate and appointed by the Branch Council

Branches can express interest any time from now and begin discussions with the Working Group, however it will not be possible for a Branch to join Scouts Australia–Operations Branch until after the vote passes.

It will be phased over months or years, depending on the Branch’s readiness and needs.

• Identify key property and asset arrangements 

• Flag potential Special Assets 

• Engage with the Working Group for advice. 

A national working group will support interested Branches with practical, legal, and strategic steps. Each Branch will need a tailored plan.

Scouts Australia–Operations Branch directly supports almost every KPI – including sustainability, innovation, member growth, and operational efficiency.

Some Branches may become unviable (including financially) and be placed at risk. It will also reduce national capacity and placing more pressure on those remaining.

Initial complexity while adjusting, less local autonomy in some areas, and legal complexity with asset and financial transfers. These are being addressed through detailed planning.

Branches grow (both in membership and financially), operations become more efficient, resources shift from administration to programs and members, and Scouting thrives in every State and Territory.

The National Executive Council, the 25 Members of the National Council, including some Branch Chief Commissioners. Briefings and communication are ongoing.

• NEC & Branch reps 

• Liaison Officer  

• Working Group support 

• Branch briefings 

• National comms plan & key messages  

• Website FAQs & feedback form 

Please email sa-ob@scouts.com.au.  

These FAQs will be kept updated as new questions are asked so also check for updates via the Scouts Australia–Operations Branch page on the Scouts Australia website.