Victims of AIS abuse to be paid

THE Australian Sports Commission is offering financial compensation to athletes who suffered harm or abuse during their time at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Compensation ranging from $5000 to $50,000 will be offered for abuse survivors – from all sports – who were at the AIS from 1982 to 2013 as part of a “restorative program” launched on Wednesday.

In all, about 9000 athletes held scholarships between 1981 and 2013 and the announcement follow’s the ASC’s historic apology in May to athletes who suffered abuse while at the AIS.

From 1981 to 2013, the AIS was responsible for High Performance Scholarships on behalf of the National Sporting Organisations. After 2013, the AIS no longer offered athlete scholarships, with funding going directly to the NSOs, which managed their own scholarships.

The apology followed the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) calling on Australian sporting institutions to admit to their failings and apologise to victims in the wake of the scathing review into gymnastics abuse.

A number of women spoke about negative experiences during their time as gymnasts at the AIS, with some detailing allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse.

They also said their complaints were not acted upon by administrators at the AIS.

Gymnastics Australia offered an immediate apology when the review was released, but the ASC was the first government body to officially say sorry for the abuse.

The restorative program will also provide an opportunity for athletes to share their story and their experiences with senior representatives of the ASC.

ASC chair Josephine Sukkar AM said it was crucial the ASC acknowledged its past and commit to positively impacting the culture of sport now and in the future.

“Almost 9000 athletes held AIS scholarships between 1981 and 2013 and while we know many people had a positive experience, unfortunately some athletes were treated inappropriately,” she said. “The program has been established to help our former athletes report and raise concerns directly with the ASC about practices at the AIS that were detrimental to their wellbeing.”

ASC chief executive, Kieren Perkins OAM has encouraged any former AIS scholarship athletes to contact the program if they suffered harm.

“Abuse of any nature has no place in Australian sport,” he said. “Learnings from athletes who have already come forward to share their stories has also been considered in developing the program.

“We encourage you to contact (us) … which includes access to counselling and support services, the opportunity to engage with senior representatives from the ASC and AIS and a restoration payment for eligible individuals.

“Your engagement with the program will be confidential and play a critical role in informing the practices of the sports sector in the future.”

Individuals can apply for the program via www.sportaus.gov.au/about/asc-restorative-program