[AJames]

The following is a general suggestion on setting up a National Amateur Observatory and Society. It is far from perfect, but it is probably the best means of doing such a thing under Australia's astronomical scene.

Even though I have said changing the current national astronomical Society scene is almost impossible to break into convert into some national group, there is another indirect way.
If the aim of the group were to provide a national facility place in the best location in Australia, as this particular thread alludes to, what we need to do is do it from the professional astronomy side of things. By this I would set up a new astronomical amateur society which would be under the umbrella of someone like the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA). (which would have to be requested and independently considered for its feasibility. The recommendation would be adopted by the new amateur organisation)
Here I would produce something akin to the sub-branch, which would have a fair degree of independent autonomy in decision making and the publication of some sort of work (published as a pdf in electronic format to eliminate costs).
This new amateur society would be subjected to its auspices regarding the global strategy and aims of the group - including the telescope facilities and observational programmes.
A Main Committee would be set up, whose organisation would represent the individual states and territories - whose meeting would be organised by video conferencing. This Committee Board would comprise of a selection of professional astronomers, advanced amateur astronomers, universities, all approved by the main body and even business and financial mangers, to be eventually chaired by a paid General Manager selected by an independent body.
Then there would be several important sub-Committees.
Sub-Committee 1 would also act as some type of Astronomical Guild or Union - representing each of the amateur societies and the internet groups who were each members - whose sole aim is to produce recommendations to the Main Committee towards these global astronomical strategies. They would each benefit significantly in advertising for the various star parties, society and observational programs conducted by their members. Memberships each have to pay a small levy from each member in the Society on a pro-rata basis, as payment towards promotional activities of there group. [It might also be possible to organise things like a umbrella negotiation of public-liability insurance for all Australian Societies who have join the National Body, etc].
Sub-Committee 2: would be involved in the education and promoting astronomy to Australian amateur astronomers and the general public. The latter, would be the main draw card for funding the Main Body, and would contribute to a National education policy.
Sub-Committee 3 : would be a third Committee would be responsible
for managing the observational programs. This group would have various Sections, with their own membership, being those interested in specialised areas of astronomy. I.e. Double Star Section, Imaging Section They would be responsible for organising the activities of the National Amateur Observatory
Sub-Committee 4 : would be a fourth Committee responsible for a National Conference held in a fixed period. It would be something like the NACAA (National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers) or even this organisation, if they could be persuaded with the right enticement. Even State buy State mini-conferences (like the Macquarie University event a few years ago could be supported by this group - acting as the focus for Society Development.

Membership would be by;

1) Individual Membership
2) Society Membership
3) Organisation Membership
4) Section Membership
5) Corporate Membership

There would be strict rules governing cross-membership, like the National Press Club, for example, where no individual or group can exert undue influence. There would also be a rotation of duties, and the responsibility of their implementation by National Body would be the responsibility of the Main Committee, or if necessary. 75% of the membership.

Now there could be much debate on the structure, but something like this. The secret would be not aim to eliminate the local astronomical societies but to enhance them. If some groups do not want to join would be at their own choice and peril, by not contribute would mean they lose national coverage and national promotion.

A name;

Astronomical Society of Australian Amateurs (ASAA) or

Astronomical Guild of Australian Amateurs (AGAA)

Andrew

Note: There are many possibilities here, and I only add this as general idea of what some National Group would look like. Such a group could easily support a National Amateur Observatory - which would have the advantage of guidance from professional astronomers in its design or the clout for gaining financial by Government grants and supporting sponsorships of businesses.