Christie Freeman, Chair of Equestrian Australia, has this morning announced that she is stepping down from the role, effective immediately.
“Sadly, it is no longer sustainable for me to continue in this unpaid role which takes up more time than the average full time job when the forces that are against reform and efficiency are so motivated to resist,” said Christie Freeman via a social media statement this morning.
Equestrian Australia restructure
As part of her statement, Christie Freeman thanked members for their support and addressed the proposed restructure of Equestrian Australia.
“I want to thank the members of Equestrian Australia for their support during my tenure as an EA Board member and Chair, and for repeatedly electing me on a platform of restructure. I have had literally thousands of conversations with people in all aspects of our sport about the need for a streamlined administration and for money, resources and decision-making to be directed to the disciplines and to the grass roots committees who make the sport happen.
“The need for reform has been documented since at least 1992 and remains even more vital now; we simply cannot afford to run Equestrian Australia plus seven state branches for an organisation of 22,000 members. Of the fees members pay collectively, around 63% goes to the state branches, 22% covers insurance and the remaining 15% is used to run Equestrian Australia. How much better could it be if we stopped funding multiple offices with duplicated functions and ran one streamlined operation? That way we could divert more resources to the sport – to help the clubs and organising committees from grass roots up.
“While I’m proud of the changes we have made in EA, many of them unglamorous and behind the scenes, there is an intransigent cohort who will resist change despite the cost to the sport. There is much more that needs to be done and I question the motivation of those who seek to prevent this, however they try to defend it.
“The vast majority of EA members are wonderful people who share a deep love for horses and our sport and I thank you for your ongoing commitment and involvement. I also express my deep gratitude to the EA Board. Our sport is most fortunate to have such a hardworking and well qualified group governing it. I now believe I can advocate better from outside the Board and have tendered my resignation effective immediately.”
State branches raise concerns
Prior to Christie Freeman’s statement this morning, all State branches (except South Australia) released a statement to members regarding their concerns relating to recent developments at the national level.
“Our Board, along with the Chairs of the other State and Territory Associations (excepting South Australia), has raised a number of serious concerns with the Equestrian Australia Board,” reads Equestrian Victoria’s statement. “These include governance, financial management, national leadership, and the scale of proposed membership fee increases. On many of these issues, the State Boards hold a different perspective from EA, and those differences need to be addressed transparently and in good faith.
“Our Board is advocating strongly on behalf of Victorian members. Together with other State Chairs, we have called for a meeting with the EA Board, facilitated by the Australian Sports Commission. We believe this is the only constructive way forward to rebuild trust, resolve key issues, and avoid further escalation such as a Special General Meeting.
“We want to be very clear; our intention is not to divide, but to work with Equestrian Australia to develop a stronger, more effective national structure and one that delivers real value and stability for all members, including every rider, coach, official and volunteer here in Victoria.
“We remain committed to doing what’s right for the sport and for our members. Thank you for your support as we continue this important work.”
