Stephen Batty says his resignation as treasurer and a board member of Frankston Football Club was unrelated to the alleged fraud matter previously reported, and instead followed an unrelated club decision he did not support.
Batty provided STPL News with a written statement and also spoke by phone.
What Batty Says Happened
In his statement, Batty said he resigned from the club on 21 January.
He said his resignation was “unrelated to the alleged fraud”, and attributed it instead to “a number of recent Board decisions and resolutions” that he said did not promote “good governance and transparency” and were “not beneficial to the Club’s future”.
Batty also said he offered to remain in the role until the club’s audited annual accounts for the 2025 financial year were finalised for tabling at the next month’s annual general meeting, before ceasing duties.
Financial Claims In Batty’s Statement
Batty’s statement includes specific claims about the club’s financial performance during his tenure.
He said the club recorded a surplus of approximately $33,000 in the 2025 financial year, following a loss of approximately $168,000 in the 2024 financial year. He said the club remained financially viable with good cash reserves at the time of his statement.
Batty also stated his view that the “reported alleged fraud will not have a material impact on the club’s financial position”.
Background
Batty’s statement follows reporting by the Herald Sun and coverage by STPL News regarding a reported police inquiry and WorkSafe monitoring involving Frankston Football Club.
(Related story: https://stplnews.com.au/sports-news/frankston-dolphins-reported-police-inquiry-worksafe-monitoring/)
Batty’s Statement
“Following my appointment, the Club’s financial result in the 2025 financial year was a surplus of approximately $33,000.00. This followed a significant loss in the 2024 financial year of approximately $168,000.00.“
“As a result of this improvement, the Club remains financially viable with good cash reserves at the time of this Statement.”
“In my opinion, the reported alleged fraud will not have a material impact on the club’s financial position. During my tenure I instigated and improved management accountability and reconciliation processes.“
“On 21 January, I resigned as Treasurer and Board Member of the Club. In good faith, I offered to see out my responsibilities, with the resignation taking effect after finalisation of the audited annual accounts for the 2025 financial year, to be tabled at next month’s Annual General Meeting. The accounts will be finalised this week, and I will cease duties with the Club accordingly.“
“My resignation is unrelated to the alleged fraud, rather it is due to a number of recent Board decisions and resolutions that I cannot commit to as they do not promote good governance and transparency and are not beneficial to the Club’s future.”
