The WA government has apologised to gymnasts who suffered alleged abuse and mistreatment while participating in the Western Australian Institute of Sport's women's artistic gymnastics program over a period of 28 years.
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman has also directed his department to undertake a "comprehensive governance and culture review of WAIS" and establish a Specialist Child Safeguarding Unit to ensure the protection of children in all levels of sport.
The new unit was lauded as "a leading step in the protection of young athletes in Western Australia" by the Gymnast Alliance Australia (GAA), which represents many of the former child gymnasts who suffered when they trained in what should have been a safe environment.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will also step in to ensure WAIS carries out a proper restorative and reconciliation process.
That was a key recommendation of a Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) review of WAIS, commissioned after dozens of women came forward alleging they were subject to systematic physical and emotional abuse by coaches and staff when training in the elite program from 1988 to 2016.
The report handed down in April detailed allegations of children subjected to a "culture of fear" that included verbal and physical abuse, frequent and traumatising skin fold testing, weight shaming and being expected to train while injured.
Women exposed 'systemic issues'
Detailing the government's response to the SIA report, Mr Templeman told parliament today he acknowledged the courage shown by the women who shared their experiences as part of the review.
"Your contribution has exposed systemic issues and unacceptable conduct in the WAIS WAG Program, which had distressing, long-term consequences for many gymnast participants," Mr Templeman said.
"The Western Australian government unreservedly apologises to all gymnasts who suffered as a result of participating in the WAIS program, and to families and carers of those who suffered."
The review also noted most of the gymnasts involved were children at the time, some as young as five years old, and the likely psychological, emotional, and physical abuse they suffered was due to coaching practices that should never have occurred.
Apology a 'starting point': gymnasts
The Gymnast Alliance Australia (GAA) said the systemic issues and unacceptable conduct in the program had distressing, long-term consequences for many gymnasts.
"It is with some relief that we accept the Western Australian government's apology," GAA spokesperson and former Olympian Jen Smith said.
"While it doesn't undo the actions of the past, the apology is a starting point for our healing process.
"Without the intervention and oversight of the department, we seriously doubt WAIS would engage in this process meaningfully and in good faith."
When the review was released, WAIS chair Neil McLean apologised for the abuse and harm the child athletes suffered.
The review also recommended WAIS adopt the National Integrity Framework, including an independent complaint handling process; ensure all sports programs involving children are child-focused and age appropriate; and continue to embed athlete wellbeing into policies, procedures and practices in all sports programs.
Department to oversee WAIS changes
WAIS has agreed to adopt all the recommendations, but Mr Templeman has instructed his department to oversee and audit the sports body's compliance and implementation of the recommendations.
There will also be a wholesale review of the governance and culture at WAIS.
"The implementation of these recommendations and undertaking of these actions will be carried out in consultation with the affected gymnasts," Mr Templeman said.
"The safety and wellbeing of our young athletes is of the upmost importance. We all have a duty of care to the young people in elite sports programs."
The GAA welcomed the governance and culture review.
"GAA remains hopeful improvement in WAIS's governance and culture will support athletes that dedicate so much to the Institute, our state and our country," Ms Smith said.
"They deserve better."
