http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...k=b590648a52f0d83e1d7d54b77b596ff3-1501114093
Changes to the ARL Commission could open old wounds
Rugby league is slowly edging towards an overhaul of the independent commission in a move that could reopen old wounds between its chairman John Grant and the clubs.
Grant earlier this week announced two new commissioners — former Queensland premier Peter Beattie and constitutional lawyer Megan Davis — to take the number of independent commissioners to eight.
However, under the proposal for constitutional reform, the number of independent commissioners would be reduced to six, with the states and clubs to have two representatives apiece on a 10-person body.
Grant, who has already announced he will depart in February when his term comes to an end, and Catherine Harris are expected to make way as part of the overhaul.
However, both are also believed to be eager to remain in their positions until February. The clubs and states are expected to push for the new structure as soon as they can agree on a fresh draft of the constitution, which they are currently thrashing out.
The Queensland Rugby League has raised a handful of issues with the latest draft but they are not considered insurmountable and there is genuine hope an agreement can be reached sooner rather than later.
That will be the precursor to the clubs and states potentially pushing for an extraordinary general meeting where they will attempt to drive through constitutional change and have their own nominees named on the commission.
At the same time, two of the independents will be forced to stand down. Grant has given no indication that he is willing to leave before February, meaning Harris and another commissioner may be on the chopping block to reduce the independents to six.
Grant would then leave in February, leaving a fresh vacancy for an independent. At the same time, Beattie is expected to step into the role as chair. Despite concerns among some clubs at the prospect of another Queenslander sitting on the commission’s throne, the clubs and states ultimately have no say over the appointment of the chair. The position is decided by the independent members of the commission.
Constitutional reform has been on the agenda for months but the issue is drawing to a close after the QRL provided its response to club delegate Nick Pappas on Tuesday night.
It is understood the body raised concerns over several matters, including the procedure required to approve and remove commissioners, and the chair having a casting vote.
It is also understood the draft constitution provides for the ability to remove and approve commissioners with a simple majority vote. The QRL would like to increase that threshold.
The QRL has previously stated its opposition to the chair being given a casting vote and its position hasn’t changed.
QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher also made it clear it was sick of being treated as an afterthought. Its sense of being viewed as a second-class citizen in the code wasn’t helped by the process that led to the appointment of Beattie and Davis. While a selection of club officials were told of the imminent appointments, the states were kept in the dark.
“All we are saying is that things need further debate,” Hatcher said. “We are the last cab off the rank. We want to be taken as a serious stakeholder. It comes back to trust and respect.”
The clubs are expected to digest the latest concerns of the QRL this week before they attempt to reach some form of compromise.
Hatcher and NSW Rugby League chairman George Peponis will join the commission as representatives of the states while the clubs will vote on nominations for their two positions.
