National sporting organisations must have gender-equal boards and leadership by 2027 or the government will withhold funding for the organisation, in a new policy aimed at addressing gender equality in sport.
The federal government launched the National Gender Equity in Sport Governance Policy on Tuesday to have more women represented on sporting boards, chairs and other leadership roles in national and state-level organisations.
There are three specific targets that government-funded organisations – like Football Australia, Basketball Australia, Hockey Australia, among other groups – must meet by July 1 2027: women must make up at least 50 per cent of all board directors, all board chairs and specified board sub-committee members.
The policy does not affect community clubs or privately owned organisations, like the National Rugby League (NRL) or the Australian Football League (AFL), although the government encourages these groups to follow suit.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said Australia needs to see “more women making decisions for more women”.
“Our sporting systems are not equal,” Minister Wells said, “and this policy will help address the gender imbalances prevalent in sports leadership.
“Diversity within an organisation’s senior roles provides a more complete mix of skills, perspectives and experiences, resulting in better decision-making and improved performance.”
According to government statistics, 62 per cent of funded national sports organisations in Australia currently meet the gender-equity standards among board directors. Meanwhile, just 25 per cent of all organisations have a woman in the board chair position.
Across 65 national sports organisations, just 22 per cent of CEOs are women, a 2023 government report found. And when it comes to coaching, less than 10 per cent of Australia’s rop sporting national teams are coached by women.
“The incredible results by our women in Paris and the success of teams like the Diamonds, Stingers and Southern Stars have seen a surge in female participation,” Minister Wells said, “but we still do not have an appropriate balance of senior leadership.
“I strongly encourage all organisations that operate within the Australian sporting environment to embrace this policy and implement the game-changing gender targets we need.”
Greater diversity in the future
The policy was devised in collaboration with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) as well as State and Territory Agencies for Sport and Recreation.
As part of the policy, the national sporting organisations will be required to report their progress through a sports governance self-assessment tool, designed and operated by the ASC.
Should the organisations not reach the 50/50 gender split by July 1 2027, as per their reportage via the ASC’s tool, the government has committed to withholding federal funding – totally or partially, depending on the significance of the shortfall – until the organisation reaches the targets.
ASC Chair Kate Jenkins AO said this new policy will pave the way for greater diversity in sport – not just gender diversity.
“While this policy focuses on gender equity, it sets a framework to improve representation of all elements of diversity including age, cultural background, and disability in the longer term,” Jenkins said.
“A range of resources, practical tools, and programs will be made available to organisations to support them to meet these targets and navigate the challenges that may arise with substantial changes like this.
“As someone who has worked in the gender equity and inclusion space for decades, today’s announcement is an important step for the sport sector. I’m optimistic about the positive impact this policy will have for sport at all levels.”