Powerplay to overthrow Equestrian SA board deemed “undemocratic” by under-siege leader
A PLAN to overthrow the board of South Australia’s equestrian sporting body has been described as “undemocratic” by the new chair of the under-siege organisation.
- Equestrian SA boss Joe Hooper quits
- Resignations: Allegations of bullying, abuse
- Privacy breach: Class action over personal data
- The Crisis: Child protection advocate claims ‘toxic culture’
A MOVE to overthrow the board of Equestrian SA by a group of disaffected members and install its own board has been slammed as “undemocratic” by the new chief of the under-siege organisation.
The new group, with connections through the Adelaide Hunt Club and Adelaide Polo club, has called for a general meeting with the single agenda that the current ESA board be “removed from office”.
Those nominated to replace the board include Scott Donner, Clive Reed, Tony Richardson, Catherine Skinner, Andrew Hunt, Andrew Craddock and Richard Mintz.
In an email detailing the plan to group members, Mr Donner, an Environment and Water Department project officer writes: “Please do not use social media to distribute this as we wish to keep this professional and out of the public domain.”
The email, sent from a DEW email address, further urges members of the group not to distribute information to “prevent media obtaining copies”.
Mr Donner, a former chair of the eventing committee and who resigned last month, told The Advertiser he would make “no comment at this time”.
The current ESA board comprises Stuart Platt, Joanne Cottle, Karin Edwards, Jacqueline Lang, and newly elected chair Peter Graham
Mr Graham told The Advertiser the financial future of the sport was in jeopardy.
“Members need to realise we are risking funding, both government and private, with this infighting,” he said.
“This plot is undemocratic and will disenfranchise many of our members especially those in the country.”
ESA receives public funding of around $40,000 year.
Mr Graham replaced former chair Joe Hooper who quit the board this month.
He said ESA, once formally notified of the push to remove the board, would seek legal advice to first determine if the proposal was constitutional.
ESA, which has seen more than a dozen resignations of late, continues to investigate allegations of bullying by staff members and the unauthorised release of member’s personal information.
Child protection advocate Maggie Dawkins who first spoke out publicly against bullying and abuse in the sport said the annual general meeting in September was the “correct and proper mechanism” for board renewal.
Current board member Karin Edwards is the owner and manager of Kirkcaldy Park, a stadium, arena and sports venue at Meadows, which is used for ESA events.
On its Facebook page she has posted that if the ESA board is removed, then “Kirkcaldy Park will cease ALL involvement with ESA activities.”