Sporting sector improving women's safety in NSW

20 June 2022

The NSW Government has today hosted a Respect Roundtable in Sydney’s west to discuss key initiatives around women’s safety and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence with sporting organisations. 

Leaders from major sporting codes across New South Wales met to exchange ideas on how the NSW Government and the sporting sector can work together to create an environment of respect, consent and safety for women on and off the playing field.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said today’s event built on existing initiatives and established a consistent understanding among the codes on outstanding issues to be addressed.

“Sport brings communities together. Today we heard how our sporting codes are supporting initiatives to address safety and respect,” Mrs Ward said. 

“There have been some really positive developments in our sporting sector, with more professional women’s teams emerging and a greater representation of women in leadership roles.

“Today demonstrates the important role sport can play to educate and advocate respectful behaviour to the broader public.”

The panel discussion was hosted by rugby tragic Kerry Chikarovski AM and included leading figures from a number of sports, including Football, Rugby Union, AFL, Basketball and NRL. Each code gave a unique perspective but unified voice on the priorities for Women’s Safety both on and off the field.

Stephanie Brantz from Football NSW said today’s Roundtable has given Sports a platform to continue the conversation on how to improve women’s safety outcomes across society.

“Football NSW is delighted to be involved in this discussion recognising how important it is to have leaders of sporting organisations who are focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, but especially women,” Mrs Brantz said.