Child advocate calls on Premier to intervene in crisis ridden sport to prevent fatal incident

A former member of the SA equestrian community, with a national profile as a child protection advocate, has urged Premier Steven Marshall to intervene in the crisis-ridden equine sport to prevent “a death”.

• Maggie Dawkins: Equestrian SA ‘toxic culture’ has existed for years
• Equestrian SA confirms members’ information released to third party
• Equestrian SA rocked by mass resignations, allegations of bullying

Premier Steven Marshall has been urged to intervene in the crisis-ridden sport of equestrian to “protect SA kids” and prevent a death.

Maggie Dawkins, a former member of the South Australian equestrian community, with a national profile as a child protection advocate, has written to the Premier outlining her concerns.

Her calls to act come as the sport’s new SA chief quits after just five weeks.

In her letter to the Premier, Mrs Dawkins says Equestrian SA has a “woeful administration record” that renders it “incapable of properly managing this dangerous sport”.

“This organisation (ESA) can’t be trusted with the heavy obligation of ensuring the safety of particularly young riders,” she writes.

“I urge you to intervene in order to prevent Equestrian SA’s dysfunction resulting in a serious injury or a death. Please Premier, enough is enough, you have the power and authority to protect SA kids who love their ponies and enjoy their sport.”

Maggie Dawkins with daughter Alice and horse Grace at her property.

Mrs Dawkins was the inaugural chair of the Interschool Committee in SA, which oversees the welfare of young riders. She was also the public servant whistleblower who exposed sex abuse of children at a state-run hostel in WA — one of the triggers for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The mother of International ranked two-star Equestrian rider, Alice Dawkins, recently lodged a submission with the NSW Coroner who is investigating the death of two teenage riders and the permanent disability of two others.

She has previously spoken out against bullying and abuse in equestrian, calling the culture “toxic” and says she has experienced threats, intimidation and harassment in response to her criticisms of ESA.

In her letter to the Premier, Mrs Dawkins writes: “Equestrian SA operates in a highly secretive manner with little or no accountability to its members. Concerned members who raise questions are sanctioned, suspended or threatened with expulsion. All this while enjoying the benefits that the State provides through the Associations Incorporation Act and funding from ORS (Office of Recreation and Sport).”

ESA received a grant of more than $78,000 grant last year from ORS. Ms Dawkins has received an acknowledgment of her letter from the Office of the Premier but no formal response.

Premier Steven Marshall

As fully detailed in The Advertiser, ESA has been in turmoil for months. The latest blow to the organisation is the sudden resignation on Christmas Eve of its new chief executive, Janeth Flowers.

Ms Flowers, a former business consultant with SA Health, quit within five weeks of being appointed. Her resignation came days after that of ESA board member, Jacqui Lang who ran the ESA recruitment process for the new executive position. Ms Lang faced allegations of conflict of interest as she was a close personal friend of Ms Flowers and advocated for her to get the job.

ESA chair Peter Graham said it was “a shame” Ms Flowers had resigned but had done so with the “best intentions” given the controversy around her appointment.

“Janeth has resigned as executive office but we have retained her in a temporary role as branch manager,” Mr Graham said.

“It’s such a shame because she had made some massive inroads in just three weeks.

“The board hasn’t met since the resignation came in and so nothing has been decided but a couple of the candidates who missed out last time have already thrown their hats back in the ring.”

In the past six months, ESA has seen the resignation of its former chairman, Joe Hooper and dozens of resignations of leading administrators.

Previous chief Sharon Cimarosti was dismissed by the ESA board in July. She is suing her former employer in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act.

A spokeswoman for Sports Minister Corey Wingard said he was aware of the allegations around the governance at ESA, but that the organisation was an “independent body.”.

“Matters relating to governance should be referred to consumer and business affairs, other serious allegations should be referred to SAPOL,” she said in a written response.