It has been 12 months since the Play our Way program was announced to provide funding towards female sports facilities, but community sporting organisations have been left in the dark by the Albanese Labor Government.
It has been reported today that applicants to the program have not received any update on whether they have been successful, leaving community sport representatives frustrated by the slow process and funding uncertainty.
The Government committed to this funding package as a back-foot response to the Coalition's $250 million announcement to support community sporting infrastructure across the country.
The Coalition's commitment sought to capitalise on the inspiration provided by the Matilda's World Cup success, to deliver long-term benefits by boosting female participation in sport and supporting grassroots sport.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Anne Ruston said that this unexplained delay with the Government's program is incredibly disappointing, particularly at a time when the sporting prowess of Australia's female athletes is once again in the spotlight.
"We already knew this announcement was just more rushed policy on the run from Labor. They clearly felt the pressure of being on the back foot as the Coalition took the lead on supporting women's sport.
"The Albanese Labor Government's failure to now provide any significant update after all this time just proves their announcement was all about politics. This government must stop prioritising photo opportunities over the real action needed to support sports participation in Australia.
"It is critical that the Government supports the sporting infrastructure communities need as more young Australians are inspired to get out there and get active," Senator Ruston said.
