Does Hatzala of Melbourne Have a Constitution?

Chevra Hatzala of Melbourne was founded by members of the community in 1995. Since then it has become famous as a professional and a truly indispensable organisation.

Yet some questions are now being asked about the governance of the organisation, as well as accountability of its members.

FrumInMelbourne has uncovered  a number of emails sent to Hatzala from  a private individual, complaining about the alleged undignified behaviour of a Hatzala responder. FrumInMelbourne wrote to Hatzala Melbourne a fortnight ago asking a number of questions but did not receive a response.

We also wrote  to the community member who made the complaint but have not heard back from him either.

Following is our email to Hatzala  Melbourne, dated 30^th March 2016:

Hi Danny,

We have sighted some emails to Hatzola from <name removed>  regarding requests to dismiss a longstanding responder and requests for information about your constitution. We are writing an article on Hatzola Melbourne and would like your input and feedback.

Questions:

• Can you explain what the allegations are, and what Hatzola has done to satisfy the complainant?
• Does Hatzola have an official complaints policy? If so can you send us a copy or link?
• Does Hatzola have a legal constitution? If so, can you please send us an electronic copy? Preferably in pdf format.
• Has the longstanding member been suspended while an investigation takes place?
• Is Hatzola Melbourne subject to the same rules or regulations and or codes of practice as the Victorian Ambulance paramedics?
• We understand Hatzola has a governing board. If so can you advise us who the members are, and by what process they are elected?
• We understand Hatzola refused to provide a copy of their Constitutions to the public, can you confirm this is the case, and are you aware that other Hatzola organisations do provide their constitutions?

Further discussion:

1. Should people have the right to complain about a Hatzala member’s behaviour when he is not “on the job”?
2. Should Hatzala make their constitution publicly available as many other Hatzala organisations do?
3. Should they provide their constitution when specifically requested to do so by a member of the community?