Member for Armadale Tony Buti is set to chair a three-month inquiry into the use of government funding by the state’s Football Commission.
Earlier this month, it was alleged the commission had spent at least $9 million of the $11 million it received last year as part of its annual funding agreement with the state government paying its 134 staff.
WA Sports and Recreation Minister Mick Murray raised concerns about the information, prompting the state’s Public Accounts Committee to initiate an inquiry into the use of the funds and assess whether the commission was meeting the obligations of its agreement with the state.
Dr Buti said he was eager to head the inquiry, which is set to kick off on August 12 and run until the first week of November.
“Following the leak, the minister expressed some concern and the Public Accounts Committee believed that justified an inquiry to determine how well the commission is honouring its agreement with the state government with regards to their spending,” he said.
“Generally, that money is to be spent on grassroots events and talent development.
“As part of the inquiry, we’re encouraging those interested to write a submission.
“We’ll host a number of public hearings, consider it all, write a report and table our findings and release a list of recommendations based on those findings.
“We’re encouraging those interested to write a submission.”
Though he has headed a number of inquiries during his time in government, Dr Buti said he was excited to be involved in one that played such an important role in his community.
“I’ve done a number of inquiries, but heading an inquiry on football, which plays such an important role in my community, is exciting,” he said.
“I hope this will be for the betterment of community level football in places like Armadale.”
The committee is now inviting those interested to make written submissions on the matter.
Submissions should be lodged by July 31 via the Legislative Assembly Committee Office in West Perth or at lapac@parliament.wa.gov.au
