Sport Integrity Australia Review of the WAIS Women's Artistic Gymnastics Program

On 22 April 2022, a review carried out by Sport Integrity Australia of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Program found it reasonably likely that some gymnasts suffered abuse and/or harm while participating in the program. 

Please note — applications for the WAIS Restorative and Reconciliatory Process and Acknowledgement Payment Scheme closed on Saturday 31 August 2024. If you have applied and been requested to provide further information, please do so within the requested timeframe. Applicants will be contacted to advise them of the outcome of their application as soon as possible.

On this page

Following the publication of the review’s final report, the Minister for Sport and Recreation directed the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to consult with affected gymnasts to:

  • oversee and audit WAIS' compliance with implementation of the Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) review recommendations
  • facilitate a restorative and reconciliation process
  • undertake a comprehensive governance and culture review of WAIS.

In response to this direction, DLGSC has worked with the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime within the Department of Justice, WAIS, and the former gymnasts to facilitate a meaningful Restorative and Reconciliatory Process.  

The State Government also established a scheme to provide acknowledgement payments to eligible former WAIS WAG participants.

What support is available?

Participants in the Restorative and Reconciliatory Process and/or applicants to the Acknowledgement Payment Scheme can access 6 one-hour counselling sessions. This counselling is intended to support participants with any difficult thoughts or feelings that may arise through their participation.  Please contact WAISRestorativeEngagement@justice.wa.gov.au, or phone the Office of Commissioner for Victims of Crime on 1800 428 873 for further information.

If you require immediate counselling support, 24-hour phone assistance is available through:  

If you experienced sexual abuse as a child while in the care of an institution, including WAIS, you can apply to the National Redress Scheme.

For more information on how to apply to the National Redress Scheme, please contact the child abuse support service knowmore or call 1800 605 762.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about DLGSC’s actions in response to the Sport Integrity Australia report, please contact childsafeguarding@dlgsc.wa.gov.au or call 61 8 9492 9660. 

Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review of the Western Australian Institute of Sport

Background on this Review

Following the 2022 Sport Integrity Australia review, the Minister for Sport and Recreation directed DLGSC to conduct a review of WAIS’ safeguarding governance and culture.

The review

The Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review of WAIS commenced in November 2023.

DLGSC appointed KPMG Australia to perform the review, which will be conducted in accordance with the Terms of reference - Athlete Safeguarding Governance and Culture Review of the Western Australian Institute of Sport, agreed between DLGSC and WAIS.  

The review will consider governance and culture relating to athlete safeguarding, identify areas for improvement and make recommendations that will ensure WAIS is providing a safe and supportive environment for all athletes, now and in the future. 

It will also consider WAIS policies and procedures in relation to athlete safeguarding, governance, oversight, culture and complaints handling. 

Consultation

Formal consultation concluded on 9 February 2024. KPMG is currently working to analyse the information collected and develop a final report.

Through the process of consultation, stakeholders were engaged in a range of ways, including cultural perception surveys, in-person and virtual consultation sessions, and focus groups. Eligible participants were current or former (within the past 5 years):

  • WAIS athletes, including children and young people
  • family members of a WAIS athlete including parents and guardians of athletes
  • WAIS coaching staff, support staff or member of the WAIS Board, executive, management, administration staff or medical staff.

    Next steps

    KPMG will provide a final report to DLGSC at the completion of the review.

    Contact

    If you’d like to speak to KPMG or have any questions about your involvement in the review, please contact KPMG at safeguardingreview@kpmg.com.au

    For enquiries and further information regarding the review, please contact DLGSC at childsafeguarding@dlgsc.wa.gov.au 

    Page reviewed 02 September 2024
    Was this information helpful?
    Do not check this box if you are a human.