2020 President’s Report | Australian Institute of Geoscientists

AIG PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2019-2020

Presented by AIG Director & President:
Andrew Waltho FAIG RPGeo

Dealing with disruption caused by coronavirus measures
- AIG rapidly moved to presenting talks and seminars using on-line videoconferencing
- All talks were made available nationally
- The move to on-line delivery of talks had significant benefits for overseas members (who now comprise 25% of AIG’s membership)
- On-line delivery of some talks and seminars may be here to stay, even when the restrictions that caused the move are lifted.

Continued focus on corporate governance – improved practices implemented to help secure AIG’s future
- A review of AIG’s governance was recently completed. Considering and acting on its recommendations will be the first priority of the new board.
State branches continue to deliver high quality benefits of membership across Australia
Mentoring and student bursary programmes continue to be an outstanding success
Five module JORC training course launched
- High quality, flexible, affordable continued professional development
- Individual modules may be completed according to participant’s needs
- The first modules were delivered last week
- Excellent feedback from participants
- The course will continue in both face to face and on-line formats

Highly successful collaboration with ASEG and PESA to present AEGC 2019 in Perth
AIG again contributed to the success of the International Mining Geology Conference convened by AusIMM
Increased number of short courses organised by state branches and individual members supported by the Board covering a wide range of topics were delivered across Australia
Proposed merger with AIMVA
Two major, new publications to be released soon:
- 50th anniversary of the discovery of Ok Tedi (in partnership OTML)
- QGIS for geology handbook

Membership has declined due to large drops in student applications, whilst members have increased slightly.

Encouraging students to participate in AIG activities will be a priority for both the board and state branches.

The influence of the National Graduate Group can be seen in the increase in Graduate numbers despite the decreases in Student numbers

W.A. accounts for 44% of AIG members, followed by Qld (14%), N.S.W. (10%) and Vic. (8%).

Overseas members are now the second – largest membership segment (after W.A.)

Women currently represent only 19% of AIG members.

The proportions of women members is greatest amongst younger geoscientists.

An effort to encourage women to consider geoscience careers is needed to achieve greater diversity in our profession.

Geoscience remains an aging profession.

252 members have elected to take up Registered Professional Geoscientist (RPGeo) status.

14 new applications in 2019-20 mostly from overseas and Queensland members

AIG continues to be in a strong financial position with the assets of the Institute growing from $ 1.36 million in 2017 to $ 1.61 million in 2019.
This growth is continuing into 2020 with the budget indicating a further growth of $ 112 k (excluding an anticipated additional $94,000 from proceeds of the 2019 AEGC conference).
AIG’s reserves continue to represent funds required to operate the institute without revenue for three years,
The accounts were audited by Tinworth & Co. – Chartered Accountants who were satisfied that they are a suitable record of the AIG financial position.

Major Ethics and Standards issue recently concluded. Details will be released in the next few days.
ASIC has expressed a need for greater scrutiny of member’s conduct in relation to public reporting in compliance with JORC.

New website
- Ground-up redesign completed
- Exclusive member content
- Complete integration, including the AIG member portal

Specialist group development continuing
- Data management and GIS are the first groups being championed by members
Focus on improved delivery of benefits of membership and improved member engagement
Continued roll-out of the JORC training course across Australia and internationally – affordable, structured training.
Proposed merger with AIMVA is reaching a decision point (AIMVA could become AIG’s first specialist group)
Video recording of AIG after-work talks, seminars and conferences to boost YouTube channel content, promote AIG and improve access to CPD opportunities for members
Re-invigorated AIG awards programme:
- Publicly recognize and celebrate member contributions to our Institute’s success
The introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) for AIG publications to enable more effective referencing and encourage authors has been approved by the board.
Print on demand services will enable selected AIG publications to be delivered in hardcopy form
Preparation of a major update of the JORC Code has commenced
- Member consultation will be conducted prior to implementation
- Release of the updated code expected in 2021

Continue to improve Institute governance – secure AIG’s future and promote transparency with members.
Continue to promote the role of Continued Professional Development(CPD) in the public perception of geoscientists
Strategy and purpose – what do members need AIG to be for them?

Employment prospects for geoscientists in Australia remain a concern
Volatile situation
Long-term unemployment is growing
Geoscience is being viewed as an “old world” career, turning off talented students

Congratulations to the successful candidates for Board positions for 2020-2022:

Thank you to the retiring members of the 2019-2020 Board.

Eligible for re-election 2021.

Proposed changes to AIG’s Constitution and Code of Ethics to:

replace the terms Council and Councillor with Board and Director respectively; and,
Updated definitions of membership categories to improve clarity of AIG’s constitution.

Both proposals were overwhelmingly endorsed by members:

Votes received from 617 of 2394 eligible members
Resolution 1: Replace Council and Councillor with Board and Director: 567 (92%) in favour
Resolution 2: Updated member category definitions: 571 (93%) in favour