Shane Warne angry over charity audit: Money ‘better spent’ on needy children

SHANE Warne has blasted the consumer watchdog for forcing his charity to pay for an independent audit into its finances, branding it “a disgrace”.

Warnie’s anger at charity audit

CONTROVERSIAL cricketer Shane Warne has blasted the consumer watchdog for forcing his charity to pay for an independent audit into its finances, branding it “a disgrace”.

The former spin king said the cost would be better spent on needy children.

A frustrated Warne was contemplating winding up the foundation, saying he was hurting over constant unfair criticism, reports Karen Collier. On Facebook Warne said: “This is a disgrace. Go through everything you want at any time as we have nothing to hide, but you pay for it.

“The foundation would rather spend the $10,000 on children in need than on an audit.”

A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesman said it was “standard practice” for fundraisers to foot the bill when the watchdog requested an independent audit.

CAV director Simon Cohen ordered the foundation on Christmas Eve to provide an independent auditor’s report by February 29 on its fundraising activities for the past 3½ years.

The foundation has indicated it will comply with the audit request. If an independent audit was to find misleading information was submitted, the maximum penalty would be $36,400.

Some of Warne’s closest friends have urged him to wind up the foundation, fearing what they consider to be an unfair smear campaign over fundraising returns is harming its reputation and spooking sponsors.

Warne said the foundation had suffered “a couple of bad years”, but it was “ludicrous” to suggest anything untoward had occurred.