I remember the first AGM conducted by the carlton 1 board which replaced Eliotts Men (except for diesel and sticks) in 2002/3. Collo promised that an independent audit will take place of the clubs financial state.
And there it was written in the AGM report, an independent Financial Audit carried out by E & Y. And who was the financial accounting firm responsible for Carlton's books for at least 15 years prior to the audit? E & Y. That's an independent audit, by the same Company. I actually put my hand up and asked Collo "is this right, the same company who has been in charge of our books, is conducting the independent audit?"
Collo replied by saying he didn't hear the question, so I repeated it. He then made some brilliant murmurings which didn't answer the question. Then the big Fish stood up several rows back from where I was sitting and shouted "how can the same company who has been doing our financial records carry out an independent audit"? Silence from the board. Two young E&Y representatives were sitting in nice clothing a couple of seats from where I was sitting in the second row.
I have seen this before at our club. Presidents and boards sneak in changes to our constitution and new rules and controversial resolutions at strategic times. Usually after we win a flag or there is a new coach appointed or some turmoil at the club. Elliott increased the board size, in the late 1990s because he had plans of merging the blues with the Kangaroos (taking them over more like it). The increase in the maximum number of directors was never explained or debated at the AGM. The plan was to absorb 6 or 7 directors from the Kangaroos onto a big carlton merged board. This resolution was passed when Sticks, still playing, turned up at the AGM still in his track suit and Elliott made the comment "there is sticks, he reckons this resolution is a good idea, don't you sticks" and sticks just nodded, and everybody laughed. And when the vote was taken, almost every person put their hands up. Only about 300 attended that meeting in the Elliott stand meeting room.
This resolution however has emerged totally out of the blue. No need for it from a club or members point of view.
But obviously some small group of power players will benefit from it down the track when it's true intention is abused for all to see. And perhaps a candidate can take our club to the equal right commission or instigate a legal challenge to any imposed nomination requirements. (Like the club wanting the new director to come from the YCP or be an ex player with at least 300 games and over 6 feet tall, every other candidate not receiving official club (board) endorsement to run, and must run as rogue candidates. Outsiders. Freaks. Trouble makers. Useless clowns.....
This is who we are. It's how a lot of things get done in our so called comedic democratic system.
(I watched the way, Jeanie Pratt, and Packer and then Murdoch put their weight behind Andrews in the recent Victorian election. Andrews a member of the socialist left faction.
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