The Allan Labor Government's Fair Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence joined councillor Timothy Hanson from Mitchell Shire Council and representatives from local sporting clubs at RB Robson Stadium in Wallan to mark statewide adoption of the policy. All of Victoria's 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities.
Since being launched in August 2022, the Roadmap is helping councils and their local sporting clubs to create equal access and opportunities for women and girls so all Victorians can take part in the sports they love.
As part of the Roadmap, councils must have policies in place in order to be eligible for community sport program funding. The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to achieve long-term change resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.
Examples include how women and girls will be considered when it comes to allocating community sport facilities, like ovals, changerooms and courts.
Developed in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, the Roadmap supports councils with obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.
Learn more about the Fair Access Policy Roadmap at changeourgame.vic.gov.au/initiatives/fair-access-policy-roadmap.(opens in a new window)
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Victoria is proud to lead the nation in creating a level playing field for women and girls so they have the same access and opportunities as men when it comes playing the sports they love."
As stated by Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
"We are driving gender equality for women and girls, removing unfair disadvantages and barriers to getting involved in sport."
As stated by Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector Dr Niki Vincent
"For too long, women and girls have been overlooked in the design and delivery of public policies, programs, and services. Thanks to the Gender Equality Act and the role of the Fair Access Policy Roadmap in supporting councils, this is changing for community sport. This powerful change is to be applauded."
As stated by the Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles
"The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation is dedicated to delivering a vision of a world where every woman and girl has the ability to realise their sporting dreams. Fair Access will pave the way, starting where we all learn to enjoy being active: in community sport."
