WAIS response to Alex Parnov matters

Quotes from the below to be attributed to Dr Neale Fong, Chair, WAIS:

The current board of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is appalled by the behaviour of former WAIS employee Alex Parnov and the devastating effect on athletes who were entitled to be safe in their sporting environment.

WAIS had a duty of care to athletes and it is clear that in the case of Parnov, the organisation did not do enough to protect them.

The WAIS board is profoundly sorry for the hurt and trauma experienced by these athletes and recognises their courage in speaking publicly about terrible events that should never have occurred.

Alex Parnov’s employment with WAIS ceased in 2019 and Mr Parnov has not any access to WAIS since that time.

A new Board was appointed to WAIS in late 2023 with a specific mandate to improve the culture and focus on athlete safety and wellbeing.

While the current Board has been aware of some allegations against Mr Parnov, the disturbing accounts published in The Australian newspaper are far more extensive than previously known. WAIS encourages all athletes impacted by this matter to contact the WA Police.

It has been a priority identified by the new Board from day one of its appointment to better understand actions taken in response to a number of historical integrity matters dealt with under the former leadership of WAIS.

In November 2023, the new WAIS board became aware of grievances against Parnov which when reviewed, we agreed had not been properly handled. Keeping in mind the privacy and wishes of the individuals affected, WAIS immediately commissioned an independent analytical review of the documented history in relation to Parnov and the Pole Vault Program whilst he was Head Coach. WAIS has constantly encouraged further investigation of the Parnov issues, including activating WA Police’s involvement.

An experienced Inspector of police was seconded from the WA Police Force to conduct the review.

The report strongly urged WAIS to ensure that victims/complainants were involved in the resolution strategies of the review. With this in mind, the WAIS Board resolved to act on the report carefully and methodically, with a trauma-informed approach, noting that the well-being of athletes is paramount.

As a result of this approach, the matter remains ongoing. The WAIS board recognises that these are complex and deeply personal matters.

With respect to Nina Kennedy, WAIS abided by her wish and decision to not reopen the Parnov issues before the Paris pre-Olympic program or during the Paris games.

WAIS leadership has been in contact with Nina post the Paris games regarding the review report.

Nina is much loved, respected and valued member of the WAIS family.

Her experience with Mr Parnov as a young athlete was unacceptable and WAIS is committed to working through the review report with her, when she is ready.

WAIS is continuing its response to the review while being mindful not to prejudice any potential police investigations.

The appointment of a dedicated Integrity and Safeguarding Manager, employed in partnership with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), is assisting with WAIS’s response to these matters.

This process is being overseen by the newly formed WAIS Safeguarding and Integrity Committee that reports to the WAIS Board, one of the first actions taken by the new board, along with being the first national sport institute to sign up to the SIA National Integrity Framework and contribute to a culture and governance review conducted by KPMG for the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The WAIS board recognises that former pole vault coach Mr Burgess was also significantly impacted by the behaviour of Mr Parnov and the organisation’s failure to respond appropriately at the time.

However, WAIS is unable to make public comments on individuals’ employment matters, including those related to Mr Burgess’ resignation from WAIS.

For further information, please direct enquiries to communications@wais.org.au

Any current or former athlete of the Pole Vault program can access free and confidential support from expert psychologists and mental health clinicians through the Australian Institute of Sport Mental Health Referral Network. This service can be accessed by calling 02 6214 1130 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm AET) or emailing mentalhealth@sportaus.gov.au