Australian Government Introduces Gender Equity Policy for Sports Organizations

The Australian federal government has mandated that national and state-level sports organizations ensure a gender-balanced board by 2027, or risk losing funding, reports RNZ. This directive is part of the newly launched National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy by the Albanese government.

Objectives of the Policy

The relevant policy aims to tackle the ongoing under-representation of women in governance within Australian sports. Currently, women participate in sports at almost equal rates to men, yet men overwhelmingly dominate leadership roles. Only 62% of funded national sports organizations meet the gender diversity benchmark for board directors. The number of female board chairs is even lower, at 25%. Additionally, women make up just 22% of CEOs in 65 national sports organizations. The situation is dire in coaching, with less than 10% of Australia’s top national teams led by women.

Targets and Requirements

To rectify these disparities, organizations receiving government support must achieve three targets by July 1, 2027:

• 50% of all board directors must be women
• 50% of all board chairs must be women
• 50% of specified board sub-committee members must be women

Governance will include an annual self-assessment tool, developed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), to monitor compliance with these targets. If an organization fails to meet its obligations, the government may withhold federal funding, influenced by their progress.

This measure applies to all recognized national sporting organizations, including those focusing on disabled athletes. Community clubs and private sports organizations are excluded. However, they are encouraged to pursue similar gender equity targets.

Support for Implementation

Minister for Sport Anika Wells emphasizes the need for women in decision-making roles. "Our sporting systems are not equal, and this policy aims to correct the imbalances in sports leadership," she stated. Increased diversity in senior positions enhances decision-making, yielding better organizational performance. The astounding performances by women's teams such as the Diamonds and Stingers have inspired increased female participation, but issues with senior leadership representation remain.

The policy contributes to broader funding initiatives to bolster women and girls in sports, covering playing, coaching, administration, and governance roles. It complements several programs, including the AUD 36 million Empowering Women and Girls in Sport and the AUD 200 million Play Our Way fund, supporting projects to establish female-friendly facilities.

Long-Term Vision

This initiative fits within the Albanese government's broader Working for Women framework, aimed at promoting gender equality across various sectors. Future policies may use this as a model to enhance representation for diverse groups within Australian sports.

"The focus on gender equity creates a framework to amplify representation for various diversity dimensions, such as age and cultural background," remarked ASC Chairperson Kate Jenkins AO. Jenkins anticipates the initiative will foster positive changes in all levels of sport, further supporting organizations with necessary resources and practical tools for successful integration of these important changes.

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