The Allan Labor Government is working closely with governments across Australia to give more women and girls the chance to be leaders of their sporting clubs - from the grassroots level to the elite.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced Victoria's support for the new National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy, which is aimed at removing barriers for women and girls in sport.
Building on Victoria's existing Balance the Board policy, the new national policy will ensure either the Chair or Deputy Chair role for national and state sporting organisations and select committees is held by a woman or gender diverse person.
Since 2019, Balance the Board has required a minimum of 40 per cent representation of women on boards of state sport and recreation organisations to be eligible for key funding programs. To implement the new national policy, Victoria will continue its 40 per cent minimum requirement under Balance the Board.
Since the introduction of Balance the Board, the number of organisations with a minimum of 40 per cent women directors has more than doubled to well over 90 per cent across more than 100 organisations.
Deakin University research released in June reinforces why the Labor Government is supporting this new national approach, with the findings showing the positive effect of the Balance the Board initiative, such as better experiences for women directors and enhanced decision making for sporting organisations.
Victoria's Office for Women in Sport and Recreation will consult with the Victorian sport and recreation sector on timelines and the support they require for implementation. Each state or territory will adopt its own timelines to reach the targets.
For more information on Balance the Board and the research findings, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Our Balance the Board policy has been a real game changer and has opened boardroom doors for women right across the sport sector - and we're excited to see this work expand nationally."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"This is another positive step towards gender equity in sport across Australia. We remain steadfast in breaking down barriers for women and girls in sport - giving everyone the opportunity to thrive and succeed."
As stated by Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles
"Balance the Board has delivered stronger performing and more inclusive governance across Victorian sport. These benefits will now be experienced nationally. Victoria is proud to have played a part in developing this important national policy."
