Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today welcomed the launch of the pilot program, Fair go, sport!, which aims to increase the awareness of safe and inclusive sporting environments for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators.

Senator Arbib said the Fair go, sport! program aims to better understand and respond to the challenges of harassment, discrimination and exclusion in sport.

‘Australian sports have a responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment for all Australians irrespective of gender, sexual preference and cultural background,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘Together with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the Federal Government is working with Hockey Australia and Hockey Victoria to increase awareness of diversity in hockey through the promotion of inclusive sporting environments.

‘This pilot program is a great opportunity for hockey to explore the issues of diversity and inclusion, and to learn new ways to make its sport safer and more inclusive for everyone.’

The program will work with four pilot clubs to develop initiatives and resources to engage and educate hockey participants, including administrators, managers, board members, coaches, officials, players and spectators at the local, state and national level.

Senator Arbib said the Fair go, sport! pilot program with Hockey Victoria had the support of Australian gold medallist Katie Allen OAM and former Hockeyroo and Hockey Australia board member Clare Prideaux who would act as ambassadors.

‘The pilot program has started with hockey and Hockey Victoria will develop methods for engaging and educating participants at all levels to address discrimination,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘The outcomes of this pilot will be made available to sports across Australia to ensure that everyone involved in sports, from the administration to the players treat all participants equally.’

This will ensure people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex have equal opportunity to participate and be involved in sport.