Equestrian Australia Announces Governance Review

The review is taking place at the request of the EA National Board which is eager to review how the organisation’s current governance arrangements compare to those of other sporting federations both here in Australia and overseas. The intention is to develop a modern governance structure that reflects world’s best practice.

Mr Biancardi said the review would also consider how other non EA groups could be included in a structure for the future.

"There are obvious benefits in streamlining the organisations and co-operating for the good of all equestrian sport in Australia.

“To this end the review panel is consulting other Australian equestrian bodies including Pony Club Australia (PCA), Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA) and the adult riding club movement.

Equestrian Australia Chairman Dr Warwick Vale said it was crucial for sporting organisations to adopt a contemporary governance structure.

“The EA board wants to ensure a best practice approach to governance is being taken at all levels of the sport, from the grassroots to the elite. The sporting landscape has changed dramatically since the last governance review in 2003; it is imperative that the management of our sport evolves and adapts to the challenges it now faces.

“This review will shine a light on the areas that we can improve on in order to give equestrian sport in Australia the best chance for prosperity into the future.”

Dr Vale said member feedback would play an important role in the review.

“We encourage members and sport stakeholders to have their say on the organisation’s current governance arrangements and welcome feedback on how it could be improved.”   

The initial submission period will remain open until 15 April and the feedback provided will be used to prepare a draft report which will be released in September so that members can provide additional feedback. The final report will be prepared and presented to the board at this year’s AGM in October following this second stage of member input.  

The review panel will include representatives from the state branches, national board, national discipline committees and EA administration.

The Governance Review panel is made up of:

• Paul Biancardi, Chair
• Mary Seefried, National discipline committee representative, Australian Dressage Committee
• Judy Fasher, state branch representative, Equestrian New South Wales
• Peter Toft, state branch representative, Equestrian Queensland
• Liza Carver, national board representative, Equestrian Australia
• Grant Baldock, CEO, Equestrian Australia