7.1.1 The National Council of the Union shall have exclusive power to deal with matters affecting more than one division and the general control and conduct of the business and
affairs of the Union having regard to the requirements of divisional autonomy provided for in these rules.
7.1.2 Without limiting the generality of sub-rule 7.1.1 the National Council shall have exclusive power to:-
7.1.2.1 determine and implement policy on matters affecting more than one division;
7.1.2.2 subject to rule 21 "New Rules and Alterations to Rules", make, amend or rescind rules of the Union;
7.1.2.3 in a matter affecting more than one division authorize the National Secretary or a Divisional Secretary to make an application or file an objection pursuant to section 204 of the Act or to oppose an application or make an application pursuant to section 118A or successive sections of the Act and direct that any expenses incurred be met by a division or divisions;
7.1.2.4 in a matter affecting more than one division authorize the National Secretary or a Divisional Secretary to initiate proceedings or defend any proceedings in any court or tribunal when the matter affects more than one division;
7.1.2.5 resolve disputes between divisions;
7.1.2.6 in matters affecting more than one division authorize the National Secretary or other national officer or member of the Union to represent the union at the ACTU and on other bodies and to provide policy advice to such representatives;
7.1.2.7 to determine matters affecting only one division which are referred to National Council by the relevant Divisional Council;
7.1.2.8 authorize a division to purchase or lease real property using funds controlled by the division, branch or divisional branch or to sell, mortgage or otherwise deal in real property controlled by the division, branch or divisional branch;
7.1.2.9 subject to rules 24 "Suspension or Removal of Officers" and 25 Offences, Charges and Penalties", to receive and process a charge laid by any member against any other member in relation to any matter covered by Section A of these rules and to impose appropriate penalties including the removal from office of a member of the National Council or National Officer who in the course of his/her duties as a member of National Council or National Officer is found guilty of:-
(1) misappropriation of the funds of the Union;
(2) substantial breach of the Union's Rules;
(3) gross misbehaviour; or
(4) gross neglect of his/her duty.
7.1.2.10 authorize the expenditure of monies by the National Secretary for the performance by the National Secretary, other National Executive Officer or the National Council of their duties under the Rules.
7.1.2.11 ensure adherence to Section A of these rules by any division or divisional branch.
7.1.2.12 appoint and remove National Council auditors;
7.1.2.13 Appoint a National Council Returning Officer.
7.1.3 Where prompt action is required in respect of a matter pursuant to rules 7.1.2.3 and 7.1.2.4, the National Secretary, in consultation with and with the agreement of the other National Executive Officers, shall be empowered to take such action as is necessary in the circumstances, provided that the National Council subsequently endorses that action.
7.1.4 The National Council may delegate any of its powers under these rules to another elected body or elected officer or officers of the union, subject to any limitations and guidelines as it shall determine.
7.1.5 To establish committees and/or working parties to work as directed according to any limitations and guidelines determined by the Council.