He’s back on the grid
Cricket chief still part of Dan’s Grand plan
PREMIER Daniel Andrews has revealed he is planning to appoint a new Melbourne Grand Prix team and refused to rule Cricket World Cup chief John Harnden out of the race to be long-term chairman.
The Herald Sun last month revealed Mr Harnden, the hot favourite for the job, was considering retiring from the Grand Prix board after the Andrews Government offered him 12 months as chairman but refused to guarantee his future.
The State Government wants to bring Essendon president Paul Little on to the board and asked Mr Harnden to show him the ropes, despite retiring chairman Ron Walker and former premier Jeff Kennett declaring Mr Harnden the best man for the job.
Asked if he believed Mr Harnden was now out of the race for the post long-term, Mr Andrews said: “I don’t think it’s fair to say that at all.’’
Mr Andrews said he was “excited about the Grand Prix’s future’’ and confirmed he was preparing a shake-up of personnel as the event enters its 21st season in Melbourne.
“I do look forward to making some announcements, not just about the Grand Prix’s future in the sporting and major events capital of the nation but also about a new team,’’ he said.
Mr Harnden is acting chairman of the race after serving as deputy since 2007. Mr Walker anointed him his successor and the move has the support of the Grand Prix board.
But in a private Spring St meeting with the Government, Mr Harnden was told his tenure would be “performancebased’’ and he may have to hand over to an opponent. Mr Harnden, who was educated at Harvard and was chief executive of the acclaimed Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006, baulked at the offer, according to sources. He declined to comment. Mr Kennett has urged the Government to give Mr Harnden the job permanently.