The Mandurah Basketball Association has postponed its annual basic assembly for the second time in three weeks, citing ongoing investigations, harassment and bullying.
On Thursday night an announcement from the MBA Board mentioned it had “resolved to adjourn the 2022 AGM until 21st December 2022”.
“Previously mentioned investigations are progressing and unfortunately cannot be completed before the proposed adjournment date of 23rd November 2022,” the assertion mentioned.
“The Board is also concerned with the current level of ongoing harassment, attempted bullying and threats towards members and considers this hostile environment is not conducive to an orderly management of the Association’s affairs.”
It is known members have been requesting inspections of the register of members, the report of workplace holders and different operational paperwork, which is permitted beneath its governing laws, the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, in addition to the MBA’s personal structure.
Failure to take action can entice fines of as much as $5000 beneath the Act.
In a second two-page assertion, the board addressed the “increasing number of requests from members for transparency” it had just lately obtained and offered an replace for members.
It mentioned investigations had been being carried out “to protect the integrity and welfare of the Association” and listed three gadgets in relation to this.
“Anomalies that have been identified in the 2022 audit process (not the audit outcome),” the assertion mentioned.
“Commercially sensitive information that has been released without Board approval, putting into real jeopardy ongoing sponsorship and improved governance initiatives by the Board.
“Misinformation (and some of it very personal and distressing) being circulated widely on social media.”
Since early October, MBA members have been elevating considerations in regards to the affiliation’s operations and spending, which resulted within the board releasing an announcement on October 10 that mentioned it was working at a $190,000 loss for the 2021-22 monetary 12 months.
In its newest assertion, the board mentioned allegations its former chief govt Lennon Smartt had used member funds for private spending had been “false, defamatory and insulting”.
“The allegation of club funds being used for personal expenditure and inappropriate entertainment is false, defamatory and insulting,” the assertion mentioned.
It additionally mentioned the State Basketball League (now NBL1 West) has “forever been a financial burden and loss-making exercise for Associations” and that it had invested considerably into the NBL1 model for the primary two years of the competitors to “maximise the early exposure and excitement of the new league”.
The board additionally spoke of its 2021-22 monetary efficiency, saying it was not at risk of changing into bankrupt.
“Allegations that the club is bankrupt or on target to be bankrupt are defamatory and false,” the assertion mentioned.
It mentioned the Department of Mining, Industry Regulation and Safety confirmed this place.
The AGM is now scheduled for Wednesday, December 21 at 7pm on the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
