The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and National Institute Network (NIN) welcome the announcement from Gymnastics Australia (GA) today that the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) will be conducting an independent review of the sport’s culture and practices.

The AIS and NIN are strongly committed to ensuring Australian sport environments are safe and supportive, and acknowledge the commitment by GA to listen and learn from athletes and the gymnastics community to ensure they have the right policies, education and communication in place and drive a culture where gymnasts feel safe, supported and empowered.

The review will build an understanding of the culture of gymnastics in Australia and any barriers there may be in reporting behaviours of misconduct or mistreatment of athletes.

The AHRC will facilitate a series of listening and focus groups, seek written submissions and conduct interviews with key stakeholders to understand athlete (both past and present) experiences within the sport.

All athletes, parents, coaches, staff, volunteers and administrators will be able to participate in the process if they wish, providing the opportunity to raise issues or share experiences from either a national, state or club level.

The AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN) is available for both AIS and NIN alumni and current high performance athletes, coaches, staff and their families, if they wish to seek any additional support throughout this process.

AIS Mental Health Referral Network

(02) 6214 1130 (Monday - Friday 9am-5pm AET)

mentalhealth@sportaus.gov.au