Equestrian Australia administration update
(Friday 14 August, 2020)
By Equestrian Life
As many will know, the next step in the administration process is the Special General Meeting called by KordaMentha, which is set for the 15 September. At this meeting, the six States will vote to accept or not to accept the constitutional changes set out in the Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) voted in by EA members at the July meeting.
The DOCA voted in by EA members was the one put forward by KordaMentha, and at odds with the DOCA put forward by most of the States. What many now hope is that the States will support and accept the DOCA voted in by members.
In the August issue of Equestrian Life, EQL Chairman Rob McKay explains the key details of EA’s Administration saga. You can catch up on those details here.
On Monday (10 Aug), the EA Discipline Committees sent a joint letter to the State Branch Chairs and CEOs. “The letter which follows is a plea to them concerning the current impasse we’re in with their non acceptance of our voice and our vote as members in favour of KordaMentha and the Deed of Company Arrangement,” reads a statement by the EA Dressage Committee, which was party to the letter.
You can read the letter in full here.
The above letter was shared by Equestrian Queensland via their social media pages.
Wednesday (12 Aug), Equestrian NT released a lengthy statement that can be found here. NT’s situation is a little different, as on paper they are administered by Equestrian Queensland; as such, we’ve heard little from them during this saga as they are not technically a standalone ‘stakeholder’ like the other states. Their social media post makes for interesting reading.
Thursday (13 Aug), Equestrian Victoria Chair Carl Parkin released the following statement:
“Over the last few weeks Equestrian Victoria (EV) has, in conjunction with other state branches, been working positively with KordaMentha to achieve the outcomes required under the KordaMentha Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), including delivering ‘one member one vote’.
“If this succeeds it will result in the DOCA becoming unconditional which will remove any risk of Equestrian Australia being put into liquidation. Significant work is being undertaken by all concerned and a positive outcome is anticipated.
“As an organisation EV’s focus at present is on achieving an outcome for the good of Equestrian Sport and we look forward to continuing to represent the interests and wishes of our membership and key stakeholders.”
Thursday (13 Aug), Equestrian Tasmania Chair, Tim Williams, released the following statement:
“There is a lot of misinformation circulating.
“Tasmania has been working to arrive at a solution that addresses the concerns of Tasmania (and other States) in relation to the proposed constitutional changes. If this succeeds it will result in the DOCA becoming unconditional which will remove any risk of liquidation. Significant work is being undertaken by all concerned and a positive outcome is anticipated. Our focus at present is on achieving an outcome for the good of Equestrian Sport rather than responding to the misinformation.”
Friday (14 Aug), Equestrian South Australia Chair, Steve Ludlam, released the following:
“Over the last few weeks Equestrian South Australia has, in conjunction with other state branches, been working positively with KordaMentha to achieve the outcomes required under the KordaMentha Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), including delivering ‘one member one vote’.
“If these discussions succeed it will result in the DOCA becoming unconditional, which will remove any risk of Equestrian Australia being put into liquidation at the Special General Meeting. Given that we are voting, not on a DOCA, but on changes to the EA
“Constitution, significant work is being undertaken to ensure that a positive outcome can be achieved.
“As an organisation, ESA’s focus is on achieving an outcome for the good of Equestrian Sport and we look forward to continuing to represent the interests and wishes of our membership and key stakeholders.”
Friday (14 Aug), Equestrian Western Australia Chair, Ron Fleming, released the following:
“Since the second creditors meeting Equestrian Western Australia (EWA) has, in collaboration with other state branches, been working to achieve the outcomes required under the KordaMentha Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), including delivering ‘one member one vote’.
“Whilst the DOCA requirements may appear to be a simple change to the EA Constitution, it has been quite complex to enable the appointment of an interim Board – and progress over time to electing Directors etc.
“This will result in the DOCA becoming unconditional which will remove any risk of Equestrian Australia being put into liquidation. Significant work is being undertaken by all concerned and a positive outcome is anticipated.
“EWA’s focus is on achieving an equitable outcome for the benefit of Equestrian Sport and we look forward to continuing to represent the interests and wishes of our membership and key stakeholders.”
**Monday (17 Aug), Equestrian NSW President Peter Dingwall released the following:
“Since the Equestrian Australia (EA) Voluntary Administration Second Creditors Meeting, the State Branches and KordaMentha have been working together, to agree the changes to the EA Constitution, that are required under the Member endorsed Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA).
“The principle of one member one vote has been embraced, as well as the role of the Branches. Please click on the link below which provides a summary of the proposed changes to the EA Constitution, which will be voted on at the upcoming Special General Meeting.
“This will mean that EA will not be placed into liquidation.
“The Equestrian NSW Board looks forward to working with the new EA Interim Board, to deliver a fairer, more democratic and representative governance structure, for the benefit of all Members.”
** You can read Equestrian Queensland’s letter (Tuesday 18 Aug) to members here.
You can read more about the EA administration situation in the August issue of Equestrian Life, thanks to Heath Ryan. Read the article here.
** Updates added to original article Tuesday, 18 August, 2020
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