Perth Voice Interactive

FORMER Stirling councillor Paul Collins has received a formal apology and a rescission of his controversial suspension from the board of the WACA.

Mr Collins’ suspension was issued at the beginning of December last year when he questioned the organisation’s proposed development of the iconic ground, including the decision to scrap men’s urinals.

Early in February he was returned to usual board duties but his suspension remained up in the air until last month when WACA chair Avril Fahey emailed all members to officially lift the suspension and offer the apology.

“We are pleased to advise that the dispute regarding the recent suspension of Mr Paul Collins has been resolved,” Ms Fahey wrote.

“The board’s decision was made in good faith, but it apologises to Mr Collins for that decision.”

Mr Collins said he was grateful for the rescission and accepted the apology.

Suspension

A member-appointed director, Mr Collins had raised $10,000 to fund a challenge his suspension, and says as it was resolved outside the courts the money would be donated to the Lord Taverners Association to help disadvantaged cricketers.

Mr Collins said because of “strict confidentiality” he couldn’t comment further on the suspension, but told the Voice the urinals issue was still to be resolved.

“The reinstatement of the urinals is still a work in progress,” he said.

Mr Collins said his next focus would be on a “significant financial shortfall” he believes the WACA is facing with the redevelopment.

“I encourage all members of the WACA to continue to ask questions about the design, costs and funding of the WACA ground redevelopment,” he said.

Mr Collins was pleased to announce that he had received a formal apology from the WACA as well as an official statement that his suspension had been rescinded, as the WACA sent an email to all members, where they stated.

by LAUREN LIDDELL