The Australian Club members vote against new proposal to allow female members

Women remain banned from The Australian Club in Sydney’s CBD after the exclusive male membership voted to maintain the status quo.

A bid to allow women to join an exclusive men’s club has been rejected after a record turnout of members voted against the proposal.

It is understood at least 693 members voted – and only 37 per cent voted for the proposal to allow women to join, far short of the 75 per cent required. Sixty two per cent voted against the plan, at a special meeting today and one per cent abstained.

The historic 183-year-old The Australian Club, which boasts a Who’s Who of elite including former Prime Ministers and businessmen, only allows men to be members.

The Australian Club in Macquarie St, Sydney. Picture: Monique Harmer

In recent years there’s been a concerted push for the secretive club to open its Macquarie St doors to high-level women.

“The Australian Club today held a special general meeting to consider a specific resolution for the purpose of amending the Club’s Constitution to allow women to be members,” a spokesman for the club said.

“There was a record turnout of members to consider and vote on the resolution.

“The meeting determined that the 75 per cent threshold to pass the resolution was not met.”

Members of the club, which include the likes of former PMs John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull and businessman Jamie Packer - must be invited to join and cannot just apply.

Former PM John Howard is a member of The Australian Club. Picture: Britta Campion

They also have to undergo an intense interview process and provide several references from existing members.

An equivalent club for high-level women, called The Queen’s Club, was set up in 1912 opposite Hyde Park in the city and avoids the limelight.

The Queen's Club opposite Hyde Park. Picture / Monique Harmer

NSW anti-discrimination law allows registered clubs to restrict membership on the basis of gender.