Tackling online harm in Australian sport

The Albanese Government welcomes a renewed partnership between Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) and the eSafety Commissioner to protect Australians from online abuse.

New research released by the eSafety Commissioner, The Digital Sideline, found nearly one in five children has experienced online abuse from someone connected to their sport – with teammates and competitors most commonly responsible, often through private messages and group chats.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by SIA and the eSafety Commissioner at the inaugural Online Safety in Sport summit on Tuesday. The summit brought together leaders in sport, government, law enforcement and the technology sectors to drive a coordinated response to online abuse in all levels of sport, from grassroots to high performance.

This partnership between agencies will also deliver training and resources to help clubs respond to emerging threats, including betting-related abuse and image-based abuse targeting women and girls.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“Australians no longer tolerate abusive behaviour in sport, whether it’s one the sidelines of a under 15s’ netball game or at the State of Origin – the same standards should apply online.

"Sport should be a place where all Australians feels safe, supported and respected – on the field and online.

“Young people especially should be able to play the sport they love without fear of what messages they’re going to get on the car ride home.

“I commend the eSafety Commissioner and Sports Integrity Australia for their commitment to ensure sport is a safe place for everyone.”