Expressions of interest sought for chairperson for Sport Australia

The Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest for the position of board chairperson for Sport Australia.

Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, advised that the role offers an opportunity to lead the national agency as it plays a vital part in shaping the future of the sector, with a particular focus on high performance sport.

Minister Colbeck noted the appointment would usher in new leadership as the sporting community works its way through the new COVID-19 environment and towards the Tokyo Olympics noting “it has been a difficult period for sport across Australia, creating challenging circumstances for sporting organisations and athletes at every level.

“This is an exciting chance for a well-credentialed professional with a passion for the advancement of sport, as Australia begins its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The newly formed Sport Appointments Selection Committee will convene to consider candidates with the administration of the selection process managed by a recruitment specialist.

Its members include former Federal Minister for Sport and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Sydney Olympics, Warwick Smith, as panel chairman, Federal Department of Health Associate Secretary Caroline Edwards, Paralympic wheelchair racer and leading coach Louise Sauvage, OAM, former Matildas’ vice-captain Moya Dodd and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Samantha Riley, OAM.  

The successful candidate will require high level stakeholder engagement skills to ensure Sport Australian continues to create pathways for athletes to reach their potential.

The recruitment campaign follows the announcement that John Wylie will step down from his role as Chair of the Board on 5th November.

Minister Colbeck said throughout Wylie’s eight year tenure, he had displayed great dedication to developing Australia’s sport capacity, particularly through his contributions toward the National Sport Plan, Sport 2030 and supporting athletes to the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games and numerous world championships.

More information about the Sport Australia role can be found here.

Expressions of interest close on 16th October, 2020.

Image: Hockey Australia high performance courtesy of Sport Australia