THE AFL South East Commission official took over the MPNFL in a caretaker role last week after the clubs voted at a Special General Meeting.
Following a notice of “no-confidence” and the subsequent resignation of the entire MPNFL Board last week, member clubs approved a motion put forward to install the AFL South East Commission as the league’s caretaker governing body until the next Annual General Meeting.
Member clubs also approved motions directing the commission to undertake immediate reviews into the governance, administration, finances and rules of the MPNFL.
The respective reviews, due for completion by early October 2015, will involve in-depth consultation and open reporting with all stakeholders including (and most importantly) the clubs.
The working party for the respective reviews will involve key management staff from AFL Victoria and AFL Legal, as well as Commissioners and local stakeholders.
AFL South East Commission chairman Roger Hampson said the move by the member clubs of the MPNFL is a watershed moment for the league.
“The clubs have expressed their collective desire for change and they now have the chance to be part of that conversation in the framework of these reviews.
“The Commission will provide the governance and administrative function under MPNFL rules until the Annual General Meeting, allowing recommendations emanating from the reviews to be discussed and adopted. This is truly a watershed moment, providing member clubs with the opportunity for significant input into the future structure.”
While the commission will oversee the governance function, the administration of the league will be overseen by AFL South East’s region general manager Jeremy Bourke. The current MPNFL administrative staff will remain in place until the completion of the administrative review, which will determine that structure under a regional administration framework.
Following the adoption of motions at the SGM, Roger Hampson announced that the first order of business was to conduct a full financial audit to ascertain the league’s current position.
Former Western Bulldogs and AFL Victoria financial controller Stephen Smith will start work on this process from July 13 and report to Commission Audit Committee chair and former Edithvale-Aspendale president Ted Turner.
“It is important to stress that AFL South East are committed to the maintenance of the identity, independence and history of the MPNFL,” said Hampson.
“The league is one of the most prestigious in Victoria with a proud history of playing strength, community engagement and leadership.
“All decisions concerning the future direction of the league will be done in full consultation with the clubs and will be done with respect to that prestige and history, but with a firm focus on the long-term sustainability of the league and its clubs.”
First published in the Mornington News – 14 July 2015
