The final report, Change the Routine, made 12 recommendations for adoption at all levels of the sport,
including the need to:
•
transform coaching practices and education, including regarding negative weight management
practices and body shaming
•
ensure all matters regarding child abuse and neglect, misconduct, bullying, sexual harassment and
assault are investigated externally of the sport
•
encourage and promote athlete empowerment and participation.
Commissioner Jenkins launched the report alongside the President of the Gymnastics Australia Board,
Ben Heap, in May 2021.
Gymnastics Australia welcomed the report and committed to working closely with state and territory
associations, clubs, the athlete community, and Sport Integrity Australia to implement all 12
recommendations:
‘Gymnastics Australia thanks the Australian Human Rights Commission for its considered findings
and will adopt all 12 recommendations contained in the report … We will regularly and transparently
update the community on our progress.’
—Gymnastics Australia, May 2021
Gymnastics Australia also issued an unreserved apology to all athletes and family members who
experienced any form of abuse participating in the sport.
The report received widespread media coverage and contributed to broader discussions about the
treatment of athletes across all sporting codes throughout Australia.
Racial Equality Review in Basketball Australia
During the reporting period, the Commission was also commissioned by Basketball Australia to undertake
a review into racial equality in the sport at a national level. The review was requested against the backdrop
of global protests and calls for racial justice through the Black Lives Matter movement.
Through the review, the Commission again used a participatory approach to engage with current and
former national players and their families, coaches, administrators and Basketball Australia staff, through
interviews, focus groups and written submissions. Drawing on this engagement, and a desktop audit of
Basketball Australia’s relevant policies and procedures, the Commission made 12 recommendations for
action and reform under three key focus areas. These were: leadership and governance; cultural safety
and inclusion; and pathways for progression.
The final report was launched online in March 2021 with Basketball Australia CEO commenting on the
impact of the report for the organisation, stating:
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Australian Human Rights Commission
Annual Report 2020–2021