WA Institute of Sport (WAIS) Integrity Statement
The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) welcomes the State Governments announcement to offer individual acknowledgement payments of $15,000 to eligible former WAIS gymnasts. This acknowledgement is an important step in recognising the harm suffered by gymnasts in the WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program between 1988 – 2016.
Under the guidance of a newly appointed Board late in 2023, and new leadership, WAIS has worked to make dramatic improvements and commence the journey of embedding a #WinWell philosophy throughout the organisation. The organisation has engaged positively and openly with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review, being undertaken by KPMG Australia.
WAIS has commenced the restorative and conciliatory process to assist impacted gymnasts to move forward through a respectful and trauma-informed approach.
In January 2024 WAIS became the first National Institute Network organisation to formally adopt the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework, an important step in its commitment to protecting all WAIS athletes and coaches from integrity threats in sport.
Integral to the WAIS National Integrity Framework is an education plan which engages all WAIS athletes, parents of young athletes, staff and contractors to receive information about the standards WAIS has in place to provide a safe and inclusive environment.
An Integrity and Safeguarding Manager was employed at WAIS in January 2024, which has supported the development of a new reporting and complaints management system which aligns with Sport Integrity Australia.
An action plan is being implemented to embed the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, from the finding of an independent review by the Australian Childhood Foundation of athlete empowerment and parent engagement at WAIS. In partnership with the Australian Sports Commission and Sport Integrity Australia, WAIS is contributing to the development of a national course on coaching children in high-performance environments.
WAIS will shortly establish an inaugural Athlete Advisory Committee that ensures the voices of athletes are heard and athletes are consulted in all decision making. WAIS has also adopted a public Child Safe Commitment Statement which is available on the WAIS website.
Dr Neale Fong, WAIS Chair, said “I welcome this announcement and thank the State Government for its further support of the WAIS turnaround. This is an important step in acknowledging the past, and assisting athletes in their healing and growth.”
“WAIS has moved rapidly in its commitment and action to creating a safe environment for athletes and staff.”
“WAIS will continue to act in the best interests of athlete health, wellbeing and safety to ensure a Win Well culture.”
All media enquiries can be directed to communications@wais.org.au