About time for women in Australian sport | Kate Lundy

The Australian Government today tabled its response to the recommendations of the report, About time! Women in sport and recreation in Australia.

The Senate Inquiry report outlined the importance of female participation in Australian sport at both grass roots and professional levels.

Minister for Sport Kate Lundy today emphasised the importance of encouraging more women and girls to become involved in Australian sport.

?While data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a slight increase in the number of women and girls taking part in sport and physical activity over the past ten years, the report confirms there are further opportunities to promote female participation in sport,? Senator Lundy said.

?Women succeed and play vital roles at all levels of sport ? as players, volunteers, athletes, coaches and administrators. Yet the barriers identified by the Senate report still prevent many women from participating in sport.

?The report confirms that women and girls face unique hurdles to continued participation in sport, with fewer recreation and physical activity opportunities due to social stereotyping, body image, a lack of role models, and family and time constraints.?

?In response to the report the Gillard Government will implement a number of new initiatives, including:

• ?Establishing a new unit within the Australian Sports Commission ? the unit will progress issues relating to women?s participation and leadership in sport, and will provide commercial and business support;
• Working with sports media to grow the commercial profile of women?s sport and improve the impact of Government?s Women in Sport in Media Grant; and
• Creating a new Prime Minister?s Award for Sporting Excellence ? in partnership with Australian Women?s Health magazine ? to recognise Australian sportswomen who make major contributions to the Australian community.

?The Government?s response to the report, and the practical initiatives I have announced today, are an important step towards equal participation and recognition for women in sport,? Senator Lundy said.

A copy of the Australian Government?s response to the report is available at http://www.regional.gov.au/sport/resources/reports/index.aspx

Source: http://www.katelundy.com.au/2012/11/01/about-time-for-women-in-australian-sport/

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