Governance

Our Governance Framework

NENA’s governance model ensures that decision-making power and responsibility are shared among members, in accordance with cooperative principles and the Co-operatives National Law (CNL). Governance is not merely administrative — it is an active practice of democratic participation, transparency, and accountability.

NENA’s governance model intentionally separates the roles of the Board of Directors, the Strategic Directions Group (SDG), and the Participatory Budget Group (PBG) to ensure clarity, accountability, and participatory balance in decision-making. The Board holds legal and fiduciary responsibility for the cooperative, overseeing governance, compliance, and organisational integrity. The SDG focuses on long-term vision and strategic direction, guiding NENA’s collective planning and ensuring that its work aligns with its social and ecological mission. The PBG, in turn, ensures transparent and democratic financial management through participatory budgeting processes that allow members to have a voice in how resources are allocated. By maintaining these as distinct but connected bodies, NENA upholds cooperative principles — ensuring that power, responsibility, and participation are shared across governance, strategy, and finance.

This interconnected structure ensures that governance, strategy, and operations flow continuously between the Board, SDG, PBG, and Coordinating Hub — enabling collective decision-making and transparent accountability.

Decision-Making Principles

NENA’s decision-making processes are grounded in consensus and sociocratic principles, prioritising inclusion, equity, and the collective wisdom of members. Decisions are made through consultation, consent, and transparency, ensuring that all voices are heard and that outcomes reflect the cooperative’s shared purpose.

Our Approach to Strategy

NENA’s governance framework supports two complementary forms of strategy developed by the Strategic Directions Group:

  • The NENA Strategy, which outlines the cooperative’s internal priorities, governance goals, and annual activities; and

  • The Civil Society Strategy, which articulates the broader movement agenda for building Australia’s new economy through collaboration across sectors and communities.

Together, these strategies ensure that NENA’s internal governance and external advocacy remain aligned, responsive, and grounded in cooperative principles.

Transparency and Accountability

As a member-owned cooperative, NENA is committed to open governance. Minutes, key reports, and strategic updates are made available to members via the member portal, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) provides a transparent forum for reviewing performance, electing directors, and endorsing strategy.

NENA’s governance framework ensures that accountability is shared, communication is consistent, and the cooperative remains focused on advancing its social and ecological mission through democratic participation.

NENA’s governance framework is described in detail in the NENA Constitution and Operations Manual, and is designed to balance stability with participation. Additionally, NENA’s Code of Conduct can be found here.