Australia’s sport system has a fatal flaw, and it’s putting children at risk every single day!!!

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) does not extend its complaint-handling services to adults. This means individuals aged 18 and over cannot make an official complaint about misconduct they have experienced or witnessed in their sport under SIA’s safeguarding framework.

This needs to change!

We are calling on the Australian Government to broaden the scope of SIA’s responsibilities! This expansion should include ensuring that ALL athletes - regardless of age - can officially report misconduct to SIA. Currently adult complaints are expected to be managed internally through the sport itself, the National Sporting Organisation (NSO), and not by SIA or any other external agency!

Only guardians of children can make a formal complaint about misconduct through SIA’s complaints process. This restriction where only parents/guardians can officially report misconduct is dangerous!

When adults are unable to make official complaints in a sports environment, it undermines the integrity of Australian sport and puts children at greater risk of harm. Without a clear and accessible mechanism for adults to raise concerns, harmful behaviours, abuse and misconduct, may go unaddressed.
This creates an environment where perpetrators can remain present in the sport, potentially endangering young athletes.

In a country that prides itself on integrity in sport, failing to provide avenues for adults to report misconduct goes against Australia’s commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments. Adults play a vital role in safeguarding children. Silencing adult voices or denying them formal channels to address issues not only compromises child safety but also weakens the moral and ethical framework that Australian sport is built upon.

Adult athletes should not be denied the opportunity to make a formal complaint to SIA simply because of their age. We suggest that all matters in relation to abuse and misconduct in sport, in Australia, be handled and investigated by an independent body external to NSOs. This external body should be SIA, where trained professionals can manage such important matters appropriately and consistently.

We believe this change will enhance the integrity of sports across Australia by fostering safer, more respectful environments for everyone involved.

It only takes one voice to make a difference. Please sign this petition today; your signature will help to create important changes that better protect children and ALL athletes in Australian sport!