In July, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Australia in New South Wales (PCNSW) voted (by 136 to 61) in favour of an overture to move to male-only elders.
The overture, and the rationale for it can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uBx8fhCLIfFV3Ka8QjlgqxaudQb3N-ho/view
This decision was taken after a process, spanning several years, which examined what the Bible has to say about elders, the theological and pastoral issues involved, and the consequences of taking such a decision.
For example, in 2021, the Assembly commissioned a report entitled ‘Healthy Complementarianism’, which was produced by the Committee for Elders and Deacons. This committee was convened by Dr. Murray Smith of Christ College. Their report can be viewed here: https://resources.pcnswwomen.org.au/HealthyComplementarianism.FinalforDistribution.pdf
A paper designed to help congregation members across the PCNSW understand why the Assembly was considering this proposal, and providing reasons why it should be adopted, can be viewed here: https://www.ashfieldpresbyterian.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CaseforMaleOnlyEldership.2026.pdf
We, in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, can learn much from the thorough work that the PCNSW did in preparation for the presentation of this overture to their General Assembly.