BAC received a ‘compliance notice’ on the 19th April 2023, which outlined minor administrative matters. All details with these minor matters were rectified and on review, the decision was that the compliance notice was removed from the public register. BAC had the clear and we were compliant. The bullies not knowing about compliance and regulations didn’t really understand the process, jumped on this and used this against the directors and other members to continue to bully and intimidate, with no substance to their dispute or concern. Cissy described how one of the four land groups who are represented on the Board, and must be separately represented at meetings, was ‘uncooperative and less committed to their director duties’. The PBC failed to meet the quorum for the 2021/2022 AGM after that one land group was not properly represented amongst the 45–60 members in attendance. Cissy told us that after ‘several failed attempts’ at holding the AGM, she and the Board were asking ORIC for help but ‘to no avail’. ORIC was consulted regularly about these attempts to hold the AGM. [We asked ORIC] to assist with these ‘disputes’ and to be present. We sought assistance from an independent facilitator for the AGM’s, and I’m sure he can share his views on the actions that came from these meetings. Cissy explained that eventually, after many requests to assist, ORIC made the decision to run the Special Interim General Meeting (SIGM): ‘we asked to assist, they seemed to have it under control.’ Unfortunately, ORIC decided on the date of the meeting and Cissy was overseas for other commitments on that date. Cissy heard from members that there was no quorum of directors – the same problem they had been facing and had asked ORIC for help with – and that at the meeting, individuals who were not eligible according to the Rule Book were elected as directors. Cissy was concerned and annoyed by the way ORIC had managed the situation and considered that ORIC had actually ‘made the situation worse’ rather than resolve issues. I felt that ORIC really had the power to make positive changes and to also make the necessary changes to the rule book. But it wasn’t the case. After the rigorous review process that we went through with ORIC regarding compliance, it seems as though ORIC has stepped in and not followed any order whatsoever. After allowing ineligible people to be directors of BAC Board. I really don’t understand what role ORIC plays in these situations, I guess it depends on who leads the organisation and what experience they have with community dynamics. This issue is ongoing at the time of publication of the Report and Cissy says she is determined to make ORIC understand what is really going on. After the SIGM, Cissy and other directors wrote to ORIC ‘seeking clarity on these decisions [to elect ineligible individuals] and how is this possible to have ineligible people on the Board.’ 68 Women in Native Title: Native Title Report 2024