Turning Point Australia (TPAUS) has announced that Walter Villatora has formally stepped away from Ark Harbour, the parent company of TPAUS, concluding his time as a minority shareholder. TPAUS CEO Joel Jammal said the transition is amicable as Mr Villatora pursues the establishment of new political party Reform Australia.
“Walter was brought into Ark Harbour as a 40% shareholder solely as a contingency plan should anything ever happen to me. He was never involved in the day-to-day running of Turning Point Australia,” Mr Jammal said.
“We are living in dangerous times, and anyone pushing back against the established order exposes themselves to risk. Just look at what happened to Charlie Kirk. The shareholder structure provided strong governance, ensuring someone with the same values as Turning Point Australia could carry the mission forward if I couldn’t. As Turning Point Australia grows, the organisation is being built for long-term continuity beyond any one individual.”
Mr Jammal said that Mr Villatora’s move toward founding Reform Australia meant the arrangement naturally came to an end. He said that Mr Villatora is also resigning from the Liberal Party because he believes “it has strayed from its founding values and is showing no signs of correction.”
“This is consistent with the approach we have taken in the past with others who have worked with us and have had to leave Turning Point Australia, for example, when they wished to run in upcoming elections. Turning Point Australia is an independent third-party campaigner, not a political party,” Mr Jammal said.
“Maintaining clear separation from political parties is essential to our integrity, so this was the right moment for Walter to step away completely. Walter is a man of integrity, and I sincerely wish him and Reform every success.”
The restructure follows the appointments of Saraya Beric as Head of Operations & Marketing and George Mamalis as South Australian Coordinator, with further appointments underway. Mr Jammal said TPAUS is currently speaking with prospective leaders in multiple states as part of its national expansion.
“There has been growing interest from Australians wanting to engage at a grassroots level, finding purpose and community without needing to align with a political party. We exist to champion the Christian, conservative and libertarian values that made this country great, and to restore them in our Parliaments,” he said.
“While the organisation originated in the United States, TPUSA has no involvement in Australian operations; it is purely a branding agreement. The organisation is run by Australians, for Australians, and grassroots funded by Australians. Our independence and our loyalty to our values will always be at the core of what we do.”
ENDS
For further comment contact media@tpaust.com.au.