Last week’s Federal Court decision demonstrates that the Club only made important changes to its electoral processes because of the litigation brought by Deemocracy.

The judge said “…Mr Lawrence’s dogged efforts to persuade the MFC to change its election rules and practices have already resulted in the MFC adopting many of the changes to the club’s rules along the lines of those for which he contended.”

We now have a process which is more open, transparent and fair.

The judgment is worth reading as it provides a good summary of off-field events of the last 3-4 years and shows how determined the Board have been to protect its closed shop. If you have time, you can read the judgment here.

This case would not have happened if the Board had openly and genuinely engaged with Deemocracy and all MFC members from the beginning. Did you know that only 30 members were hastily consulted in March this year, before the rules were changed in April?

The changes are summarised in this short video (less than 2 minutes):

The questionable decision-making continues; on further display in the triumphant tone of the President’s message sent last Thursday, rushed out at 10.30am, less than one hour after receiving a 34-page judgment.

As he delivered the decision, Justice O’Callaghan indicated his “preliminary view” that it was “relatively clear” that each party should bear its own costs. This is the outcome Deemocracy will be pressing for.

Our season is over; we under-achieved both on and off the field. The CEO himself has acknowledged that we need a review. It should be an independent review. Let’s open ourselves up to outside voices. Let’s ask hard questions and work through solutions together. For example, where is the four year strategic plan that the Board promised (in the 2023 Annual Report) would be delivered in February 2024?

Only your voice will help us re-build our Club.

If you believe that an immediate independent review of the Club is necessary, let your voice be heard.

Immediate, because we need to set the direction and make necessary changes before the men’s pre-season comes around. Independent, to remove any internal biases.