Hockey Australia signals intention to join Redress Scheme

Hockey Australia (HA) today signed a letter of intent to join the National Redress Scheme, having recently commenced the onboarding process in a significant step in its commitment to the safety of children and young people.

“We have signalled our intent to join the National Redress Scheme. We take our responsibility to deliver a safe and inclusive hockey environment seriously,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“While we are not aware of any historical incidents against Hockey Australia or our Member Associations, we are committed to the safety of children and young people and believe this reinforces that responsibility.”

HA has been a leader in the sport industry in its commitment to child safeguarding, having publicly launched its position and policy framework early last year.

This leadership was followed by HA’s state and territory Member Associations, with the Safe Hockey project launched in July 2019.

Safe Hockey has seen a new policy framework developed to apply nationally, along with face to face education delivered to all Board Members and employees within hockey, both men’s and women’s national teams, and to all coaches, officials, and athletes at under age national championship events.

In total over 40 education sessions have reached over 1,000 individuals within the sport to date, providing them with key information on topics including defining types of abuse, grooming, and neglect. Tailored to the audience, individuals are given practical information to support them in reporting, responding, or creating safe environments.

“What has been really pleasing is the way participants in the education program have responded,” said GM - Legal, Strategy & Growth, Michael Johnston.

“The subject matter is important, and it has been treated as such by those who have been involved.

“The commitment by all Member Associations to the Safe Hockey project is an endorsement of how seriously the sport takes this issue. Hockey is a family sport and it values the safety of children and young people.”

Aimed at national and state levels, the first phase of Safe Hockey is nearing completion, with the move towards building knowledge and capability at club level scheduled for late 2020.

The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. For more information, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377.