Kate Jenkins AO is commencing her new role as the new Chair of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) this week.
The former Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Australia Human Rights Commission has had an extensive 30-year career working for respect and equality in Australian workplaces and in sport.
As the ASC welcomes her appointment, Jenkins said she is delighted to begin the new role.
“We are in an exciting period for Australian sport and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the leading work being done by the Australian Sports Commission,” she said.
“I know the joy and pride that sport can bring us all, and the opportunities it provides. On the eve of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and eight years out from Brisbane 2032, my vision is for sport to be safe, fair, accessible and inclusive for everyone, with every athlete supported to reach their full potential.
“I look forward to leading the ASC, including in its work towards ensuring there is a lasting legacy for all Australian sports and the community from this “green and gold decade” – when the eyes of the world will be on Australian athletes, Australian sport and Australian venues.”
Jenkins is replacing Josephine Sukkar AM, who has now wrapped up her three-year term as the ASC Chair.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Josephine Sukkar for the incredible legacy she leaves on sport through her role as ASC Chair,” Jenkins said.
“Australian sport is better for having your passionate advocacy in recent years.”
The CEO of ASC Kieren Perkins OAM said Jenkins is one of the most distinguished leaders in the country, who has contributed to “systemic change across a range of sectors”.
“There is no doubt that Kate’s expertise will be a wonderful asset to the ASC and our whole sector as we strive to ensure sport has a place for everyone and delivers results that make Australia proud,” Perkins said.
Jenkins has previously served as the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, as well as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. She has played a key part in various cultural changes and reforms in parliament, the university sector, defence and law enforcement.
Jenkins has also served as Chair of Play by the Rules, has sat on the board for Carlton Football Club, and was an Ambassador for the T20 Women’s World Cup Cricket in 2020 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. In 2021, Jenkins also conducted the Independent Review of Gymnastics in Australia.
As well as Jenkins’ appointment, Minister for Sport Anika Wells also announced the appointment of Dr Bridie Kean PLY and Nicholas Green OAM to the board of the ASC.
Dr Kean is a dual Paralympic medallist and a lecturer at the University of Sunshine Coast. She was the Paralympic athlete representative during the bid process for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, and was also recently appointed as Deputy Chef de Mission of the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team.
Nicholas Green OAM, who was also appointed on the ASC board, is a dual Olympic gold medallist and brings with him a range of experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He has previously been the CEO of Cycling Australia, the Director of the Australian Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games of Australia, President of the Victorian Olympic Council, and Chef de Mission of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.