Protecting Your Sport – A Message from the Chair of Equestrian WA
Dear Members,
Protecting Your Sport – A Message from the Chair of Equestrian WA
As Chair of Equestrian WA, I want to speak directly to you about the critical steps we are taking to protect the future of equestrian sport in Australia — and what it means for you as a member in Western Australia.
Over recent months, your State Branch has been actively working with other State and Territory Chairs to engage the Equestrian Australia (EA) Board on a range of urgent concerns: the organisation’s deteriorating financial position, the decline in member services, and the unacceptable proposed increases to membership fees. EA’s operating expenses have grown at an alarming rate over the last couple of years and cannot be justified by underlying operational factors such as insurance cost or inflation.
Unfortunately, despite numerous meetings, the EA Board has not demonstrated the capacity to address these challenges or engage meaningfully with the solutions we’ve put forward.
As a result, and after exhausting all other avenues, the majority of State Chairs, including Equestrian WA, have formally called for a Special General Meeting under clause 15 of the EA Constitution.
This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. But it is one we believe is essential. We have kept the Australian Sports Commission involved every step of the way.
We are holding firm: Equestrian WA will not support Equestrian Australia’s proposed fee increase to member of +105% for 2025–26. The proposed fee includes over 80% increase in EA’s admin charges, a new IT levy and further insurance rises. It is not only unsustainable, but deeply unfair to our members.
Our commitment is to:
- Cap EA’s administration fee and Insurance increase at +10%
- Reject the proposed IT levy and pause the IT project pending independent review;
- Reset EA’s cost base to 2024 levels, with only CPI adjustments;
- To further protect the Sports solvency, the States will allow an additional increase ($25 per member) as a contingency levy for EA.
- However, this will be held in reserve by each State and returned directly to members if it is not needed.
- Commit to holding our own EWA member fee increase flat (0%)
- Offer EWA operational support to EA’s staff to restore member services and reduce overheads;
- Defer any discussions on the future structure until EA’s finances are stabilised and fully transparent.
Equestrian WA remains fully committed to supporting EA’s CEO and staff in their day-to-day operations. Our concerns lie with the governance and financial leadership of the Board — not the hard-working Equestrian Australia staff team.
We will keep you updated in the lead-up to the Special General Meeting. Your voice matters, and your continued support will be crucial in shaping a stronger, fairer, and more accountable national organisation.
Hear from Equestrian WA's Chair, Anne Wilkins here: https://youtu.be/0n6B8oK3SRA
As always, should you wish to discuss anything, please contact us via [email protected]
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