Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve spoken to a lot of people about the merit-based EGM proposal, which, as you know is awaiting a formal tick-off and recognition by the club/board. And already it has achieved something I’ve not seen at this club for a very long time - and that’s basically bi-partisan support amongst diverse supporter groups.
Pretty much, regardless of what forum, Facebook page or social media site you frequent, the merit-based proposal has received an overwhelming level of approval and support.
That in itself is significant and it’s a far cry from just about every past Parramatta election, which routinely sinks the club into bitter feuds, not just between candidates but ultimately between our members and supporters who must decide who to throw their support behind.
As I have argued for many, many years in my multitude of rants about constitutional reform, Parramatta has somehow managed to institutionalise division. And over the course of a good decade, that systematic, inherent factionalism has layered upon our club scar upon scar. This is a chance to not only rip off the bloodied, mutilated scab that has since accumulated but then to move forward and instigate the kind of constitutional reform that addresses the underlying cause and addresses the root cause
That’s great for the club, but it’s maybe not so good if you have ulterior motives for an agenda like privatisation. A privatisation push relies on the club being a basket case. The privatisation agenda requires members to be so aggrieved that they throw up their arms and say “we give up, won’t somebody save us” and along comes the wealthy white knight/s to save the day.
It’s also not great if you’re a factional overlord, worried that constitutional reform means your carefully cultivated family and friend vote, is going to be diminished in influence.
But if you’re genuine about the welfare of the club, how could you not support an initiative that ensures your club has the best credentialled and well-balanced board. If you genuinely think that you would make an excellent director for the club then you don’t go out and create a ticket to plunge us back into factionalism, you just put yourself up for candidacy.
The merit-based proposal must convince the membership that it can deliver an independent, professional selection process, but if it does so there is absolutely no reason not to support it, in what for Parramatta would be an unprecedented display of unity and strength. This proposal is not only completely inclusive but it lays the foundation for permanent reform and establishment of ongoing professional management foundations.
Proponents of privatisation will tell you that the membership cannot be trusted to make decisions on who runs the business. And that’s why they hate this proposal. Because it shows that given the opportunity, our membership is wise enough to even lay aside their right to choose their directors and leave it in the hands of professionals if that is what is required. And it almost certainly demonstrates that they will also, given the opportunity want to take the club down the path of constitutional reform, as well. And when that happens, we won’t be a basket case and we won’t need the white knights.
All this club needs is professional management and we now have a path forward to getting there. I write this blog, because I urge everyone to recognise that the 100 signatures is just the start of the campaign. I urge everyone to keep educating those you know as to why this is a good thing, and why the membership needs to show up on whatever date the EGM is scheduled to allow this merit-based selection process to proceed.
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But we don't know the calibre of potential candidates and that is the fear I have. Yes it's fear of the unknown.
Jimmy, that same thing could be applied to the privatization side as well. Who would want to own the eels, as a stand alone entity? the only area that there is a case for a privatization is for the gaining of the big money spinner the Leagues club. Any real money people are not going to want something that costs money without any certainty of profits in return, football, zilch, Leagues club, zillions.
Other than that, what real choice is there but to support this idea? I can only see the benefits if the club wants to go forward both on & off the field, to try & say the members are incapable of electing or having a say in who runs the club, is very demeaning at best as it implies all the members are dumb, & should not be allowed to have a say in something they belong to & maybe have for years.
Good work Phil & keep the push going.
I'm sure other members have the same (and more) questions so can anyone provide some answers?
Quality blog.
As a 3 year member, I will be at the EGM to vote with bells on, but I echo Koala Blue's concerns. - As long it is a completely independent, external, reputable & professional recruiting firm, I am all for it!!!
Of course there would be nothing to stop previous directors, such as Fitz, Spags etc. from applying if they thought they were suitably qualified, (unless of course they have been de-registered by the NRL & are ineligible to apply). However , I would hope the criteria required by this recruiting firm would soon see those types fall by the wayside. If not, then they have won their position on merit AND will not be part of a faction, but will need to work with the other successful, suitably qualified candidates. This is why the recruiting firm used needs to be top notch & recognised as such throughout the business world.. - To that end, has this been sourced yet??
Phil, I agree that this is the best way forward for our club and I will certainly tell that to whoever wants to listen. I'm sure we will get plenty of quality candidates eager to help this great club once again become the strongest force in Western Sydney!!
Anyone who thinks they would make a great Director should apply at the appropriate time. No member will be excluded....you just need to meet the criteria which will be laid out and transparent. Even current Directors are free to apply.
This is the only process I can see where factionalism gets no air time. I'm excited by what this new era can bring.
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