The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has appointed Kate Jenkins AO as its new Chair.
This new role follows Jenkins’ 30-year career as Australia’s leading authority on respect and equality in the workplace and sport, in which she has held positions such as Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner.
Jenkins has a longstanding connection with sport, being the Chair of Play by the Rules, serving on the Carlton Football Club board, being an Ambassador for the T20 Women’s World Cup Cricket 2020 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, as well as conducting the 2021 Independent Review of Gymnastics in Australia.
Jenkins said: “We are in an exciting period for Australian sport and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the leading work being done by the Australian Sports Commission.
“I know the joy and pride that sport can bring us all, and the opportunities it provides. On the eve of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and eight years out from Brisbane 2032, my vision is for sport to be safe, fair, accessible and inclusive for everyone, with every athlete supported to reach their full potential.
“I look forward to leading the ASC, including in its work towards ensuring there is a lasting legacy for all Australian sports and the community from this ‘green and gold decade’ – when the eyes of the world will be on Australian athletes, Australian sport and Australian venues.”
As Jenkins mentioned, Australia is set for a big summer of sport, however, over the past few years the country has been at the centre of the sporting world. The country teamed up with New Zealand to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Following on from that successful event, Australia is set to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which it has asked for the government’s support for.
Kieren Perkins OAM, CEO of ASC, commented: “Kate is one of Australia’s most distinguished leaders and her record of making systemic change across a range of sectors speaks for itself.
“There is no doubt that Kate’s expertise will be a wonderful asset to the ASC and our whole sector as we strive to ensure sport has a place for everyone and delivers results that make Australia proud.”
In addition to Jenkins the organisation is set to undergo a range of new appointments. Furthermore, Jenkins is set to replace Josephine Sukkar AM, who recently concluded her three-year term as ASC Chair.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Josephine Sukkar for the incredible legacy she leaves on sport through her role as ASC Chair. Australian sport is better for having your passionate advocacy in recent years.”
