THE “NEW” CAMS

Since the resignation of Rob Nethercote as CEO of the Confederation of Australian Motorsport, and the appointment of Graham Fountain as the new CEO, there has been considerable re-examination of the Confederation; how it performs with the current structure; how the structure of CAMS might be improved; and the relationship of the CAMS Administration to the Clubs and their members.

A workshop was held in Melbourne several months ago, when the Administration, senior members of the State Councils, and members of the State Offices considered the structure of CAMS and how it might be changed to give the members a better service.

There were several announcements made on the CAMS website in early October which gave rise to serious concerns at the October meeting of the State Council, and following strongly worded statements from the State Council, the CEO considered it necessary to visit SA and address the State Council in person. The basis of our concerns was the proposal to remove responsibility of issuing of Permits for motorsport from the State Offices to CAMS Head Office in Melbourne. This was seen as a threat to State Offices, and the inevitable reduction of State Office staff.

There was full and frank discussion at the November meeting of State Council, which was addressed by the CEO, with a better explanation of the aims of the organisation.

Essentially, it has been realised that there needs to be a closer relationships between the CAMS organisation and the Clubs and their members, with a need to strengthen Club motorsport.

It is hoped that by reducing some of the administration duties of the staff of the State Office, the staff will be better able to concentrate on the development of Club motorsport.

At the end of the evening, I think that we all believe that what is being considered could really strengthen our motorsport.

Watch this space for further developments.

Ian Curwen-Walker

MGCCSA CAMS Delegate