For Members, By Members
As a completely self-funded and 100% independent body, CHOICE relies on membership subscriptions to enable us to act in a truly credible manner that is fully accountable. CHOICE is run to serve its members and consumers as a whole, by providing advocacy and advice.
- CHOICE is the public face of the not-for-profit Australian Consumers Association
- Governed by an elected, unpaid and independent Council
- Senior management team oversee day to day operations
- Risk management based on Australia/New Zealand standard
The integrity of CHOICE rests on its continued independence. Funded by our members and safeguarded by an elected council, this commitment to independence dictates how CHOICE is operated.
As the public face of the Council of the Australian Consumers’ Association (ACA), responsibility for the management and control of CHOICE rests with the ACA’s governing Council. To ensure the Council’s independence, its members are not paid and must not be employed as principals in industry, advertising or sales.
Policy directions for CHOICE as both a commercial group and consumer advocate are overseen by the Council. The Council has a Finance and Audit Committee to assist with financial monitoring and auditing.
The day-to-day management of CHOICE is handled by the CEO and the senior management team. Currently this team consists of the following individuals:
- CEO — Nick Stace
- Director, Campaigns and Communications — Christopher Zinn
- Director, Commercial and Finance — George Perry
- Director, Content and Delivery — Mary Gillespie
- Director, Marketing and Member Services — Kate Lalak
- Director, Operations and Governance — Kim Hogan
CHOICE holds itself to the same high standards it expects of the businesses whose products and services it reviews. Responsible risk management is practiced with an approach based on Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management.
Become a voting member
What is a voting member?
Voting members of the Australian Consumers' Association are the equivalent of company shareholders and are a key part of the organisation.
Why should I become a voting member?
Voting membership entitles you to vote in the election of members of ACA's Council (board of directors). Voting members may also stand for election to Council and may nominate or second other voting members wishing to stand.
All voting members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting each year. This is an opportunity to put questions to the Chair, Councillors, CEO and other senior members of staff. All voting members receive a copy of the Annual Report, including the financial report. Plus a short written briefing from the Chair after each board meeting.
Who can apply to become a voting member?
Anyone who holds a personal subscription to CHOICE Plus OR has held a personal CHOICE membership* for five or more years.
Applications are considered by ACA's Council and applicants are informed of the outcome in writing. Corporate subscribers or individuals whose subscriptions are held in the name of a business or other body are not eligible.
How many voting members are there?
About 2,000.
How much does it cost?
Voting membership is free; however, members are encouraged to get more involved. This can happen through attending the AGM and taking part in a Consumer Forum on the same day, supporting a CHOICE campaign or by trialling new CHOICE products and services.
How do I apply?
Download a Voting Member application form in PDF format.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader download to view this form (free software).
Or call our Customer Service team on 1800 069 552 to receive an application form and more information about voting membership.
New members are sent voting information and an invitation to the next Annual General Meeting at the appropriate time.
If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service team on 1800 069 552.
*CHOICE membership includes a personal subscription to one or more of the following: CHOICE Magazine, CHOICE Plus, CHOICE Online, CHOICE Computer, CHOICE Computer Plus, CHOICE Health Reader