Cyclist at centre has no control over funds raised for his legal fight

The Trust Fund and Its Purpose

The situation surrounding Ryan Meuleman and his family has sparked significant attention due to the legal battles and fundraising efforts undertaken on their behalf. Ryan, now 27, has been left traumatised after a tragic crash, and his family is seeking justice through ongoing lawsuits. To support these legal efforts, a public GoFundMe campaign has been established, raising over $235,000. According to Robertson, a key figure involved in the campaign, these funds are held in a trust named the Ryan Meuleman Justice Fund. The trust is intended to cover legal costs, and any remaining funds—or potential court payouts—are meant to benefit Ryan and his family.

However, the management of this trust has raised questions. The fund is controlled not by the Meuleman family but by Robertson and his associate, Wenn, through a company they created called SRT Lighting. This company acts as the trustee, with Robertson and Wenn being the only names on the paperwork. Robertson explained the name "SRT Lighting" as standing for "Strength, Resilience, Truth, and Lighting," symbolising their mission to shed light on the situation. Despite this, the lack of direct involvement from the Meuleman family has led to concerns about transparency and accountability.

The Family’s Perspective and Trust in the Process

Ryan’s father, Peter Meuleman, has expressed trust in Robertson and Wenn, stating that they are well-versed in the details of the case. Peter believes the trust was set up to protect Ryan from potential court costs if the legal fight is unsuccessful. However, he also admitted that he would like his name to be on the trust as a safety measure. Ryan himself has expressed a desire for access to any potential court payouts, though he acknowledged that the details of the trust arrangement are still unclear.

Robertson and Wenn have assured the family that the trust is designed with their best interests in mind. They stated that the funds will only be used for Ryan’s welfare and the benefit of the Meuleman family, with no allocations for other campaigns or causes. In response to Peter’s concerns, Wenn indicated a willingness to add Peter or Ryan to the trust to improve transparency and public perception.

The Role of Trust Management and Control

The current management of the trust has been a point of contention. While Robertson and Wenn argue that their involvement is necessary to ensure the funds are used appropriately, critics question why a member of the Meuleman family is not directly overseeing the trust. Robertson explained that the trust could be managed by either a person or a company, and while he and Wenn are currently in control, the long-term plan is for Peter to join as a trustee. He emphasised that the beneficiaries of the trust are the Meuleman family, and there is no hidden agenda.

Despite these reassurances, the lack of direct control for the family has raised eyebrows. Peter’s initial hesitation to involve Robertson and Wenn highlights the delicate balance between trust and oversight. The setup of the trust, while seemingly transparent, has led to questions about the motivations of those involved and the potential for conflicts of interest.

Political Involvement and Fundraising Efforts

The campaign to support Ryan has gained momentum, drawing the involvement of high-profile political figures. The Victorian Liberals, including former treasurer Andrew Abercrombie and MP Moira Deeming, have been actively supporting the campaign. Abercrombie, known for his fundraising prowess, has been instrumental in the effort since its early days in 2020. Peter Meuleman recalled initial hesitation but eventually trusted Abercrombie and Robertson due to their persistence and dedication to the cause.

However, not everyone is supportive of the Liberals’ involvement. Labor minister Natalie Hutchins has criticised the Victorian Liberals for their role in the fundraising arrangement, expressing concern for the Meuleman family’s well-being. She highlighted the potential manipulation of victims for political gain, a concern echoed by others who question the motivations behind the campaign.

Public Reaction and Questions About Transparency

Public reaction to the trust and fundraising efforts has been mixed. While many have rallied behind Ryan and his family, others have raised concerns about the transparency of the trust and the involvement of political figures. The separation of funds into two entities—one managed by Robertson and Wenn, and another by business leaders backing the legal fight—has further complicated the situation.

Robertson explained that the decision to create a separate fund was made by Abercrombie and other business leaders to ensure accountability and protect the trust from potential misuse. He stressed that this arrangement was not a reflection on the trustworthiness of Robertson and Wenn but rather a pragmatic step to safeguard the funds.

As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring that Ryan Meuleman’s best interests are prioritised. The involvement of high-profile figures and the complex management of the trust have highlighted the challenges of balancing legal strategies, political agendas, and family welfare. Ultimately, the outcome of the lawsuits and the management of the trust will determine whether justice is served and whether the funds are used as intended.

In conclusion, the Ryan Meuleman case underscores the complexities of fundraising for legal causes and the delicate balance between trust management and family involvement. While the intentions of those involved appear to be in the best interest of Ryan and his family, the lack of direct control for the Meulemans and the involvement of political figures have raised important questions about accountability and transparency.