Sports Commission welcomes Swimming Australia’s vote for new constitution

October 21, 2023

The Australian Sports Commission has welcomed Swimming Australia’s Member Organisations for voting in the proposed new constitution, developed by Swimming Australia’s Board, in consultation with the Member Organisations and supported by World Aquatics to bring the sport into line with the ASC’s Sports Governance Principles.

With the support of the ASC, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and World Aquatics, the vote – held at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Friday night - received the required support for the changes to be passed.

As a result of the constitutional changes, Swimming Australia will move closer towards meeting the governance maturity standards expected for a tier one Commonwealth funded sport.

ASC Chair Josephine Sukkar shared “On behalf of the ASC, I’d like to acknowledge the huge amount of work undertaken in recent weeks by the Swimming Australia Board and the Member Organisations.

“Change of this nature is never easy and was done with the future generation of Australian swimmers in mind.

“The changes to Swimming Australia’s constitution provides athletes with an unprecedented voice at the Board table to ensure current and future swimmers can enjoy swimming in a safe and supported environment.”

“As one of our leading and highest funded sports, we look forward to continuing to work with Swimming Australia to ensure it’s a sport for all Australians.”

The ASC is aware that the recent uncertainty around the sport has been difficult for many people involved. Swimming Australia staff, athletes and their families have been offered support though the AIS Mental Health Referral Network.

Financial support provided to athletes via the ASC’s dAIS (Direct Athlete Income Support) Grant program is managed directly between the ASC and the eligible athletes and was not going to be impacted regardless of the outcome of tonight’s vote.

Image credit: Women Sport Australia/Daniel Pockett

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