WAIS to implement recommendations from Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review

Published On: 24 October 2024

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) has today reaffirmed its commitment to athlete wellbeing and safeguarding, following the release of the Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review. This review, initiated by the Hon. David Templeman, Minister for Sport and Recreation, examined WAIS’s governance and culture in relation to safeguarding of athletes, from 2019 – 2024.

WAIS has supported all 30 recommendations outlined in the review. The report, which was tabled today in the Western Australian Parliament on Thursday, 24 October 2024, provides a comprehensive roadmap for improving the way WAIS supports and safeguards its athletes.

Dr. Neale Fong, Chair of the WAIS Board, acknowledged the critical importance of this review in shaping the future of WAIS.

“While many findings were not unexpected, they serve as a clear message that there is significant work to be done. We are committed to embedding a culture that prioritises not only athletic success but also the well-being and development of our athletes beyond the field of play”;

“I’m proud of the progress WAIS has made over recent times, however, as in sport, a constant cycle of planning, delivering and reviewing is paramount to continuous improvement and success.” Dr. Fong said.

WAIS has already begun implementing several key changes, including:

  • Becoming the first Institute in Australia to adopt Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework.
  • Establishing an Integrity and Safeguarding Committee, alongside employing dedicated Integrity and Safeguarding staff in partnership with Sport Integrity Australia.
  • Launching a new complaint management system and releasing a Child Safe Commitment Statement.
  • Engaging in a Restorative Justice process with former Women’s Artistic Gymnastics athletes.
  • All staff and contractors undertaking Sport Integrity Australia educational courses including; anti-doping fundamentals; National Integrity Framework training; Safeguarding Children and Young People Induction; Safeguarding Recruitment and Screening training; Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling.

Dr. Fong added, “We are entering a new era at WAIS, where integrity and athlete welfare are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to the #WinWell philosophy shapes how we will continue forward. How we win is just as important as winning itself, and will be central to our future direction.”

In addition to these measures, WAIS has formed a new Athlete Advisory Committee, co-chaired by former Olympians Tommaso D’Orsogna and Sally Hunter. The committee will ensure that athletes have a direct voice in the organisation’s decision-making processes.

While the path forward will require time, WAIS remains dedicated to building a high-performance environment that prioritises athlete safety, welfare, and holistic development.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact communications@wais.org.au