Victoria

The Victorian Government’s Balance the Board policy, managed by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, supports increased representation of women on boards across Victoria’s state sport and active recreation sector.

Since 2019, Balance the Board has required all recognised sport and active recreation bodies to have a minimum of 40% women directors on its board to be eligible to apply for key Victorian Government funding programs.

Its introduction saw the number of organisations with a minimum of 40% women directors doubling, to more than 90%.

The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation will consult with the Victorian sport and recreation sector on the preferred timelines and support for implementation, in line with the national policy timelines of no later than July 2027.

In implementing the national policy, the Victorian Government will maintain its existing approach of a minimum of 40% representation of women on boards.

Research, opens in a new tab by Deakin University released by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation in 2024 on the impact of Balance the Board found:

• 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, and
• women directors brought key experience and skills to boards that enhanced board dynamics and decision-making.

Policy Approach

Victoria will continue to require a minimum of 40% representation of women directors on boards.

In line with the National Policy, recognised state sporting organisations will be required:

• for to have a Chair or Deputy Chair role to be held by a woman, and,
• for larger organisations, board sub-committees relating to nominations, and audit and risk, will be required to have a minimum of 40% women members.

Timelines

The 40% requirement for women directors on boards is already in place.

From 1 July 2027, state sport and active recreation organisations will also be required to comply with the new requirements on board leadership and key sub-committees to remain eligible to apply for key community sporting funding programs from the Victorian Government.

Non-Compliance Measures

If an organisation does not meet the policy requirements, the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation will work with that organisation to agree an action plan to meet the minimum 40% benchmark once again.

An action plan is important, as not meeting the requirement can not only impact that organisation’s ability to access funding, but the ability for affiliated community associations, leagues or clubs to access funding as well.