Even If Pratt Falls, He Worked For Carlton

The Age

Wednesday October 24, 2007

Michael Gleeson

GAMING regulators may yet decide Richard Pratt is an inappropriate person to hold a gaming licence and must quit the Carlton board.

Pratt, the third-richest man in the country, has admitted to knowledge of and complicity in a systematic and deliberate deception.

His company was involved in the biggest price-fixing cartel in Australian history, for which he has offered to pay fines of $36 million.

To remain on the Carlton board, Pratt needs a gaming licence. The gaming regulator must decide if he is a person of "good repute, having regard to character, honesty and integrity". It is difficult to imagine who would be denied a gaming licence if Pratt was permitted one.

Naturally, the billionaire would point to a lifetime of philanthropy and successful business to balance the ledger of his admission of fault.

It will matter not to Carlton if Pratt is forced to leave the club in this manner. His work there is done.

Indeed, his most significant move was arriving at the club, not remaining. Were he to go under these circumstances it would be in the broad knowledge that he would remain the club's chief benefactor and influential patron, although without the title of president.

Pratt's return to the club brought with it not just his money but also dollars from other corporate Carlton fans that had been waiting on his move. Carlton is now solvent. Pratt did that.

Carlton sacked its coach, replaced him with a former captain and brought the Carlton back to Carlton. Pratt did that. Carlton chased down and won the best player in the country. Pratt did that.

Carlton is arrogant again with a disgraced businessman at its helm. Pratt did that.

© 2007 The Age

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