Minister for Sport John Eren has urged his state and federal counterparts to follow Victoria's lead and do more to improve women's participation in sport.
Last week, Mr Eren hosted the Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers in Melbourne. The group took further steps to strengthen the integrity of sport in Australia, enhance sport and recreation participation and protect participants from the dangers of concussion
The states and the Commonwealth have agreed to follow Victoria's example, and will ask the Committee of Australian Sport and Recreation Officials to develop an options paper on approaches to improve women's participation in sport, and increase leadership roles and the profile of women's sport.
The Andrews Labor Government has already announced a $10 million fund for women's change rooms - the single biggest investment in women's participation in sport by a State Government in Australia.
Ministers confirmed their commitment to ensuring Australians are safe when participating in sport, by endorsing a Concussion in Sport Statement. They have also pledged to support the development of Australia’s first national framework for best practice risk and safety management for outdoor adventure standards.
Mr Eren pointed to the steps Victoria is taking to boost safety in boxing and combat sports. The group has also asked CASRO to identify minimum safety standards across jurisdictions for combat sports, and report back to the Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers for consideration.
The National Anti-Doping Framework 2015 will be updated to align domestic anti-doping efforts at all levels of government, and will identify areas for cooperation between the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments.
Ministers agreed to request the reinstatement of the Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers as a COAG Ministerial Council.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“The Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers is a crucial conversation that helps enhance the health and wellbeing of all Victorians and all Australians.”
“Victoria is leading the way when it comes to the integrity of sport and women’s participation in sport. We’re pleased our counterparts are following our example.”
“By improving integrity measures, boosting participation and taking action to make sport safer, we’re creating a healthier and happier nation.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020