The Wagga Wagga Council has made the decision to rename Michael Slater Oval, marking a significant step following the former Australian Test cricketer’s recent controversies.
Slater’s name has come under scrutiny due to his notable downfall and legal troubles, including facing 19 charges related to alleged offences in Queensland between December 5, 2023, and April 12, 2024. The charges encompass domestic violence allegations, unlawful stalking, breaking into a dwelling, assault, and breaching bail, among others.
The council’s decision to rename the oval was not unanimous, with a 4-3 vote in favor of the change. Some councillors argued that Slater’s on-field achievements and local contributions should be considered, with Cr Rod Kendall highlighting Slater’s diagnosed mental health issues and suggesting that renaming the ground wouldn’t resolve anything.
Earlier in May, Councillor Jenny McKinnon shared a photo on social media showing Slater’s name painted over on the ground’s signpost, expressing urgency for the name change.
The council announced that a new name for the oval will be proposed for public consideration in the coming days. Potential replacements include former cricket World Cup winners Alex and Kate Blackwell, Olympic rugby sevens gold medalist Alicia Quirk, and former Matildas star Sally Shippard.
Mayor Dallas Tout clarified that the name change would not affect Slater’s position in the city’s sporting Hall of Fame.
Currently detained after being denied bail by the Maroochydore Magistrates Court, Slater’s legal team intends to contest the allegations of physical violence. Despite the recent controversies, Slater’s cricket career was illustrious, spanning 74 Tests and 42 one-day internationals before retiring in 2004 to pursue a successful TV commentary career.
