Boosting gender balance in sport leadership

The new national policy will improve gender representation in the governance of Australian sport through national and state sporting associations.

The policy was announced on 10 September 2024, and is a collaboration between federal, state and territory governments. It builds on Victoria Government's Balance the Board Policy, which has been in place since 2019.

The new National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy covers:

• board membership
• board leadership (chairs and deputy chairs)
• board membership of key sub-committees, for select larger organisations

Since the introduction of Balance the Board in Victoria, the number of state sporting organisations with a minimum of 40% women directors has more than doubled, with 97% of organisations across more than 100 organisations meeting this minimum benchmark in 2024.

Research by Deakin University, funded through the Change Our Game Research Program, also found that in response to Balance the Board being introduced in Victoria:

• board processes professionalised in response to steps taken to attract and retain women on boards
• leaders of sport and recreation organisations, often men, were key in driving change and supporting women’s board representation
• a critical mass of women on boards improved the experience of women directors
• women directors brought key experience and skills to boards that enhanced board dynamics and decision-making

Learn more about the Victorian Balance the Board policy.