First woman named as Chair of Australian Sports Commission

Businesswoman and President of Australian Women’s Rugby Josephine Sukkar has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Sports Commission.

Announcing the appointment of the first woman to the role, Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Sukkar is an outstanding leader brings 30 years of business experience to the role, as the co-founder and principal of Buildcorp Group, while also having a strong understanding of Australian sport.

Minister Colbeck advised “Sukkar has helped lead a successful Australian family-owned business through many challenges, including the Global Financial Crisis and most recently COVID-19.

“During this time, she has also been a strong contributor to the national sporting community, most notably driving increased female participation through her involvement in Australian Women’s Rugby.

“I am delighted she will now use her experience and passion to lead Australian sport as we navigate through a COVID-safe world.”

Sukkar will oversee Sport Australia and its responsibility for driving the broader sport sector, including participation and the Australian Institute of Sport, charged with the ongoing improvement of the nation’s high performing sport sector.

Welcoming her three year term of appointment to the position, Sukkar stated “I look forward to engaging with Australian athletes and sports organisations to address their challenges, particularly those posed by COVID-19.

“I also want to help them achieve their goals and build participation in our many sports.”

In her new role Sukkar will face the challenge of finding a sports model that is sustainable into the future, finding the perfect balance between government funding, private investment and the huge contribution made by volunteers in Australia.

She also faces an immediate task in selection a new Chief Executive for the Australian Sports Commission with board member Robert Dalton having been acting in the role since 3rd February last year.

Applicants for the Chair's position were assessed by the newly formed Sport Appointments Selection Committee.

The appointment of Sukkar is the first recommendation made by the Committee, which includes Paralympic wheelchair racer and leading coach Louise Sauvage, former Matildas vice-captain Moya Dodd, former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Samantha Riley, Department of Health Associate Secretary Caroline Edwards, and is Chaired by former Federal Minister for Sport, Warwick Smith.

Senator Colbeck added “sporting clubs and organisations at every level faced the most challenging of circumstances in 2020. COVID-19 has changed how we all participate in or watch our favourite sports.

“Ms Sukkar will play a vital part in shaping the future of sport and I look forward to working with her to ensure the sport sector in Australia is prepared, adaptable and resilient.”

She will begin her new role on 8th February.

Minister Colbeck thanked acting Chair Steve Moneghetti for his leadership following the retirement of John Wylie in November.

Images: New Australian Sports Commission Chair Josephine Sukkar (top, supplied) and Sukkar in her role as President of Australian Women's Rugby, of which her company is a sponsor.(below, Instagram: Josephine Sukkar).