Royal Commission announces Swimming Australia investigation

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has announced that it will investigate the response of Swimming Australia into allegations of child sexual abuse.

The scope and purpose of the public hearing, being held in Sydney from 7th July, is to examine:

1. The response of Swimming Australia Ltd to allegations of child sexual abuse against Terrance William Buck.

2. The response of: Swimming Australia; Swimming Queensland; and the Queensland Academy of Sport to allegations of child sexual abuse against Scott Volkers.

3. The response of the Offices of the Directors of Public Prosecutions in Queensland and New South Wales to allegations of child sexual abuse against Scott Volkers.

4. The criteria by which Offices of the Directors of Public Prosecutions determine whether to prosecute allegations of child sexual assault.

5. The response of Scone Swimming Club to the convictions of Stephen John Roser for indecent assault and for committing acts of indecency against a child.

6. The systems, policies and procedures of Swimming Australia and its member organisations, for preventing, detecting and responding to sexual abuse and their implementation.

7. The response of the Queensland Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to an application by Scott Volkers for a ‘blue card’.

8. Training of legal staff including prosecutors and liaison officers of the Offices of Directors of Public Prosecution in child sexual offending.

9. Any related matters.

Responding to the investigation, Swimming Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson wrote to ‘members and partners’ stating “Swimming Australia has been asked to provide information to the Royal Commission investigating Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

“Swimming Australia takes its responsibilities and obligations for child welfare seriously, and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for all members and service providers participating in our sport. Swimming Australia does this by adopting both a Child Welfare Policy and Member Welfare Policy.

“We also believe that the welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of each individual and organisation within the swimming community, and as such Swimming Australia is supportive of the Royal Commission’s terms of reference, and the overall aim for a safer future for our children.

“During this process, Swimming Australia has been transparent and fully co-operative, providing all information possible to the Royal Commission, and has encouraged other swimming organisations, state bodies, clubs and stakeholders to do the same.”

Advising that Swimming Australia has been asked to attend a public hearing of the Royal Commission, Anderson added “it is our commitment to our members to ensure that everyone associated with Swimming Australia complies with our polices, and guiding principles of child welfare.

“The sport of swimming has the ability to enrich the lives of all involved and provide a positive influence at many levels. As Australians we greatly value the essence of sport in our culture and our community, and we all have the right to enjoy our sport, at whichever level we participate. As such, Swimming Australia is committed to the health, safety and general well-being of all its members.”

For more information on the Swimming Australia Child Welfare Policy and Member Welfare Policy please go www.swimming.org.au

For more information on The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse go to www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au