Sport Integrity Matters – Issue 22

BEKI SMITH OLY WALKING WITH PURPOSE

UNITING FOR CLEAN SPORT OCEANIA'S VOICE STRENGTHENS

BEYOND THE SIDELINES LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS STRENGTHEN SPORT INTEGRITY

NATIONAL TASKFORCE TO TARGET MATCH-FIXING

Cover image: Beki Smith of Australia competes in the 3000m Walk at the 2018 Queensland Track Classic. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/ Getty Images)

ABOUT OUR INDIGENOUS ARTWORK

Chern’ee Sutton is a contemporary Indigenous artist from the Kalkadoon people. This painting is her interpretation of Sport Integrity Australia and our reconciliation journey. The large community symbol pictured represents Sport Integrity Australia. Within this community symbol is Australia, which represents a single nationally coordinated organisation to address all sport integrity issues. Canberra, where our office is located, is represented by the small community symbol within Australia. See the whole artwork and read the full story on our website.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

As 2025 draws to a close, I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built across Sport Integrity Australia (SIA). This edition of Sport Integrity Matters showcases the breadth of our work – from safeguarding children in sport to strengthening international partnerships – as we continue to shape a safer, fairer sporting landscape in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games and beyond.

Data continues to play a pivotal role in guiding our programs, revealing key themes and emerging trends, and helping us track progress against the priorities I set upon stepping into the CEO role earlier this year.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING

One of my priorities has been to lead a national conversation on child safeguarding in sport. To this end, significant work has gone into addressing breaches of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy. Many of the substantiated allegations relate to harmful behaviours towards children and young people, including inappropriate and sexualised comments, giving gifts and unsupervised one-on-one contact in person and online.

At any one time, SIA is dealing with up to 70 complaint matters. Our 2024–25 Annual Report reveals just over half the substantiated allegations were made against coaches, followed by just over a quarter against athletes (peers).

We are currently analysing the findings of the first Voice of the Child survey which will provide us with greater awareness of how matters can be reported, inform the language used in interviews and help shape SIA’s education programs.

The partnership between We Ride Together and SIA is another important resource we have developed to ensure everyone involved in sport makes safety a priority

Online safety for children and young people remains a significant concern in sport, with online hate and abuse becoming increasingly prevalent, more sophisticated, and worryingly normalised over time. SIA and the eSafety Commissioner have strengthened our partnership this year to ensure athletes are protected from online abuse.

“Online

safety for children and young people remains a significant concern in sport, with online hate and abuse becoming increasingly prevalent, more sophisticated, and worryingly normalised over time.

GLOBAL SPORT DIPLOMACY

Another key focus for me is expanding our sport diplomacy to strengthen integrity frameworks across the global sporting landscape and deepen partnerships across Asia and Oceania – collaborating on the pathway to 2032 and beyond.

In this edition we cover the deployment of the inaugural UNESCO Regional Capacity-Building Programme co-hosted by SIA – held in Brisbane during September – to enhance compliance with the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport across the Oceania region. A key outcome of discussions was the formation of an ‘Oceania Group’ to amplify the voices of our Pacific partners and continue efforts to build robust, culturally responsive integrity systems. I look forward to how this Group will strengthen capability and ongoing integrity work with our Pacific partners.

Our influence is expanding, with more SIA staff appointed to critical roles in international fora, most recently, Luke McCann (Deputy CEO) to the UNESCO Approval Committee of the Anti-Doping Fund, and Chris Butler (Head of Anti-Doping Operations) to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) National Anti-Doping Organisation Expert Advisory Group

We continue to have representation on a number of key WADA committees and working groups, including the Working Group on Contaminations and the Taskforce on Unintentional Doping.

MAINTAINING CONFIDENCE IN ANTI-DOPING FRAMEWORKS

This is a critical time for the anti-doping system as we seek to maintain confidence in anti-doping frameworks, with transparency and consistency viewed as a priority.

SIA is prioritising resources to ensure we work with athletes domestically and with our international counterparts to reduce the risk of inadvertent doping and contamination, particularly as evidence emerges about athlete anxiety relating to unintentional doping.

By providing comprehensive education on the risks and how to avoid them, we have seen a reduction in the number of unintentional doping matters related to supplements from 17 in 2016–17, to nil in 2024–25.

We are committed to continuously improving our education (and other capabilities) to support and empower athletes, including through the SIA app, which records around 7,000 supplement checks per month.

By providing comprehensive education on the risks and how to avoid them, we have seen a reduction in the number of unintentional doping matters related to supplements from 17 in 2016–17, to nil in 2024–25. “

Trends we are currently seeing in doping include the use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (such as Ligandrol and Ostarine) with the highest threat being anabolic agents (Testosterone and Closterbol).

I am also concerned about doping in sub-elite levels and sophisticated doping in the elite level, as well as the number of substance of abuse cases (including cocaine).

Important information about the WADA 2026 Prohibited List (summary of major modifications and explanatory notes) can be found in this edition.

COMPETITION MANIPULATION

SIA’s role in raising awareness of competition manipulation and associated integrity threats –including potential criminal influence through match fixing – was recently strengthened with the agency taking over the National Platform on 1 January 2025.

The National Platform serves as a central point for detecting match-fixing by collecting, analysing, sharing information and coordinating efforts across wagering service providers, sporting organisations, law enforcement and regulators, nationally and internationally.

Further to this, SIA has announced the establishment of a national taskforce to proactively protect the integrity of major sporting events hosted in Australia against match-fixing. Its first focus will be the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March, with ongoing efforts to ensure that Australia remains a safe and fair destination for world-class sport.

I am determined to see SIA stay ahead of integrity threats to sports – from emerging doping methodologies to globalised sport corruption to online abuse – to ensure our collective knowledge, policies, partnerships and systems protect all that is special about sport in Australia.

Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.

Dr Sarah Benson PSM Chief Executive Officer

NEW NATIONAL TASK FORCE TO TARGET MATCH-FIXING ACROSS MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

A new national task force is being established to proactively protect the integrity of major sporting events hosted in Australia from the threat of match-fixing.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) held a Melbourne workshop in October, bringing together law enforcement agencies, regulators, betting operators, and international and national sporting bodies to strengthen coordination and intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at preventing corruption in sport.

The task force is being designed to allow key players in the competition manipulation and sports wagering space an opportunity to further refine roles and responsibilities when Australia is hosting international events – a collective effort across international borders, when protecting the integrity of sport.

SIA’s Head of Strategy and International Policy, James Moller, said the task force would focus on prevention, deterrence and disruption initiatives across the many major events hosted in Australia in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, starting with the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which Australia will host in March 2026.

“While there is no specific intelligence indicating threats to the Women's Asian Cup, this task force is about staying ahead of the game – being proactive, vigilant and united in our approach,” Mr Moller said.

“It is a priority for SIA to raise awareness of competition manipulation and build capability to prepare for and protect against associated integrity threats, including potential criminal influence through match-fixing.

“The message we are sending is clear: match-fixing is a serious criminal offence in Australia, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and other key stakeholders, to ensure it is prevented from occurring in the first place or investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”

The task force will support future working groups tailored to individual events, ensuring that each major competition benefits from targeted integrity measures. These may include briefings, workshops, and international collaboration to share intelligence and build awareness.

Mr Moller emphasised the importance of outreach, particularly for international tournaments.

“Athletes, coaches and officials will be arriving from countries with varying levels of awareness around match-fixing. Education is critical to ensure everyone understands Australia’s zero-tolerance stance,” he said.

“The meeting reinforced the value of working with our overseas partners to address threats at the source and maintain the integrity of sport globally.”

The task force will continue its work in the lead-up to major events, helping to ensure that Australia remains a safe and fair destination for world-class sport.

“The task force will support future working groups tailored to individual events, ensuring that each major competition benefits from targeted integrity measures.

Uniting for CLEAN SPORT

Oceania’s voice strengthens in Brisbane

Brisbane, the host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was the backdrop for a week of connection, collaboration and commitment to clean sport across the Oceania region in September

Delegates from 17 Pacific nations – representing Government officials, National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) –converged on Yuggera Country for the inaugural UNESCO Regional Capacity-Building Programme, co-hosted by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA).

The first three days, focussed on enhancing compliance with global anti-doping standards with guidance from UNESCO Secretariat members along with the Asia/ Oceania office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The second half of the week, SIA led two Pacific Collaboration days with a focus on anti-doping and safeguarding in sport.

It was an important opportunity to provide hands-on support to government officials on implementing UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport at the national level, and to hear first-hand from our Pacific partners about their specific needs and challenges.

The Convention provides governments with a legal framework to support anti-doping testing, education and international cooperation, and complements the World Anti-Doping Code, which governs anti-doping rules for sports organisations worldwide.

SIA and the Australian Government have a strong commitment to Pacific engagement, particularly through the vehicle of sport. Australia’s investment in anti-doping efforts across the Pacific spans more than 15 years.

SIA Deputy CEO, Strategy, International Policy and Corporate, Luke McCann, said the week-long event was a critical opportunity to engage with our Pacific region.

“Along with New Zealand, SIA does a lot of work bilaterally with various countries but bringing our Pacific partners together to talk about some of the common

Opposite: Oceania delegates attending the UNESCO Regional Capacity-Building Programme outside Brisbane City Hall.

SIA and the Australian Government have a strong commitment to Pacific engagement, particularly through the vehicle of sport. Australia’s investment in anti-doping efforts across the Pacific spans more than 15 years.

problems and challenges, as well as opportunities, was important, particularly with the context of the 2032 Brisbane Games.

“We want to work across Oceania on capacity building and capability to ensure that anti-doping compliance across the region is uplifted and supported across the whole trajectory into the Brisbane Games,” he said.

A SHARED COMMITMENT TO CLEAN SPORT

Through its Pacific Engagement Strategy, SIA continues to work closely with regional partners and the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (ORADO), recognising the cultural and sporting ties that bind the region.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, described as a ‘Games for the Pacific’, served as a powerful backdrop for the forum. The programme focused on enhancing compliance with the UNESCO

Discussions around compliance with the UNESCO Convention highlighted the need for greater support across the Oceania region, with limited resources and compliance understanding identified as key barriers.

Convention and supporting Small Island Developing States in building sustainable anti-doping systems.

Director of the WADA Asia/Oceania Office, Dr Mayumi YaYa Yamamoto, said it was a unique programme bringing together the key players from across the Pacific and placing them in a room with experts from UNESCO, WADA and SIA.

“It's crucial that all the parties coming together, discuss and ensure we're on the same page. Events like this give us a leap into clean sport.”

As the eyes of the world will turn to Australia in 2032, there is a need to ensure our Pacific partners can prepare for the Brisbane Games informed and supported.

“We want to make sure that our Pacific brothers and sisters are also part of the Games,” said Siniva Setareki, Acting CEO of the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation.

“It’s about making sure everybody is well prepared in terms of training, certification and support for the anti-doping movement.”

CHALLENGES FACED, VOICES RAISED

Pacific nations face unique challenges – geographic isolation, limited funding, language barriers, unreliable internet connection, and the need for staff to juggle multiple roles. Sadly, these challenges often result in fragmented efforts and underrepresentation.

“In the Pacific, especially Oceania, we’re a nation of waters,” said Dr Sereugava Ugava, Chair of the Papua New Guinea NADO.

“Logistics and getting from one island to another is a huge challenge. Just getting everybody in the same room is an achievement.

“Once in the room, we can talk about what challenges we have and hopefully those challenges can translate to solutions.”

Discussions around compliance with the UNESCO Convention highlighted the need for greater support across the Oceania region, with limited resources and compliance understanding identified as key barriers.

“This is a very technical area; for most of the representatives here, it’s probably new territory,” said Alison Burchell, CEO National Sports Council, Solomon Islands.

“It gives us an opportunity to network and reach out to each other to say ‘What help do you need? Can we help? Can we get help from you’?”

Another challenge for those across Oceania is representation at the higher levels to ensure their challenges are known and considered.

“Our voices are hardly ever heard,” said Jason Nolan, Chair of the Palau NADO.

“This is not only a Palau problem – this is a whole region problem. We need to bond together and have one voice.”

The forum created space for honest conversations and mutual understanding.

Samoa Government representative and newly elected Chair of the ORADO Board, Natanya Potoi, said having a dialogue was important.

“A lot of the people in the room, even though they come from the same country, they haven't spoken to each other before coming here; I'm grateful for this Pacific collaboration, it’s bringing everybody together.

“It's not just geographical, it's also the mental understanding of everybody, of what everybody's roles and responsibilities are in regard to the anti-doping movement.”

Vanuatu NOC CEO, David Lolo, shared similar thoughts, noting one of the biggest challenges for Vanuatu is working collaboratively between Government, NADO and NOC.

“It’s not anyone’s fault other than we just haven't merged professionally and sat down at the table to map everything out. Being here, I'm learning more ways that I can go back and do that with my colleagues.

“I now have a much greater understanding of implementation of the UNESCO Convention and the WADA Code; anti-doping is not just a sports driven message, its much broader.”

Attendees of the inaugural UNESCO Regional Capacity-Building Programme

Brisbane | October 2025

SIA Culture and Safety Advisor, Patrick Johnson OLY, said it was vital that the voices of the Pacific were heard to protect sport in our region and globally.

“We need to have honest conversations for honest change, and particularly when we talk about the Pacific Islands, sometimes they do feel left out, so we need to make sure that they have a seat at the table.

“And this is just one example of what we're trying to do, not only through UNESCO, but through Sport Integrity Australia; we play a leading role in this space to help amplify the voices of the Oceania region.”

BIRTH OF THE OCEANIA GROUP

The most significant outcome of the week was unanimous agreement to establish a dedicated Oceania Group – a collective platform to unify efforts, amplify regional voices, and drive coordinated action on clean sport.

SIA has offered to lead this initiative, ensuring that Pacific nations are not only heard but actively shape the future of sport integrity in the region.

“Irrespective of some of the challenges faced within the Oceania region in terms of compliance with the Convention or the Code, athletes that come from the Pacific are subject to the Code the same as any other athlete,” SIA

Deputy CEO, Luke McCann, said.

“We commit to continuing our support to ensure athletes across Oceania understand the rules and can compete on a level playing field; this will also help to ensure we have a broad cross-section of athletes and officials available to support the Brisbane Games.

The most significant outcome of the week was unanimous agreement to establish a dedicated Oceania Group –a collective platform to unify efforts, amplify regional voices, and drive coordinated action on clean sport.

“Australia is a global leader in sport integrity more broadly. We need to gather what we've learnt and developed over the last five years at SIA to now help other partners develop their frameworks, building stronger integrity frameworks globally and with an athlete-centred approach.

“The Brisbane programme is just the start of a new collaborative journey. SIA stands ready to walk that path with its Pacific partners, ensuring that every athlete, regardless of where they come from, can compete clean, fair and proud.”

More details on the Oceania Group will be released in the months ahead, with a meeting of the new Group likely early in 2026.

SAFEGUARDING FUTURES: BUILDING A SAFE SPORT CULTURE ACROSS OCEANIA

Across the Pacific sport is a way of life, hence ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all those involved in sport is paramount. Across the Oceania region, safeguarding in sport is gaining momentum, and even more awareness has been created thanks to a dedicated research team at The University of Queensland (UQ).

UQ is collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on a project to combat interpersonal violence in sport in the Pacific Islands. Researchers have conducted an extensive feasibility study for the IOC’s Safe Sport Hub Initiative to support the subsequent set up of a regional safeguarding hub in the Pacific Islands.

The hub will facilitate access to local contextualised support for those experiencing interpersonal or gender-based violence in sport, strengthen localised protection, and improve cooperation and coordination between local sport- and non-sport-based safeguarding systems and services.

Aligning with existing regional initiatives and key IOC initiatives, the hub will play a critical role in protecting and supporting athletes at a local level.

At the recent Pacific Collaboration Days hosted by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) in Brisbane, UQ researchers took an opportunity to deepen their stakeholder engagement. The event, held on the back of the UNESCO Regional Capacity-Building Programme, turned the spotlight from the International Convention against Doping in Sport to safeguarding in sport.

With key sport leaders from across the Pacific already in the room, and some from regions typically hard to access – such as Micronesia – these face-to-face interactions were invaluable.

“We simply don’t have the time or resources to visit every nation,” said Professor John Cairney, Director of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, and Head of the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.

“The SIA Pacific Collaboration Days allowed us to run focus groups and interviews that are central to our stakeholder consultation. These sessions are helping us uncover the lived experiences of people in the region and provide deeper insights that desktop research alone could never reveal.”

UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF VIOLENCE IN SPORT

The Pacific region faces unique and complex challenges when it comes to safeguarding. From remote island nations with limited infrastructure to deeply rooted cultural norms, the landscape is vast and varied. Violence in sport –particularly gender-based violence and abuse – remains a pressing issue, often underreported and poorly understood.

“We’re trying to understand the nature of the problem while also unlocking potential solutions,” Professor Cairney explained.

“Some of the data we need simply doesn’t exist yet. We’re hearing stories that are heartbreaking and illuminating, and they’re helping us build a clearer picture of what safeguarding needs to look like in this context.”

The study is not just about identifying risks; it’s about building trust and respecting cultural diversity. With over 800 distinct language groups in Papua New Guinea alone, a one-size-fits-all approach is not viable. Western safeguarding models often fail to resonate in communities where traditions, customs and social structures differ.

“We must be respectful and mindful of the traditions and cultures of the peoples we’re working with; it’s not about imposing solutions; it’s about co-designing them with Pacific stakeholders – it’s about lending our resources and expertise to find solutions that are Pacific-led and implemented.”

Members of the Sport Integrity Australia Safeguarding team were onsite for the focus group sessions, also finding the experience invaluable.

SIA Senior Safeguarding Advisor, Katie Hodges, has worked in the Pacific in previous roles and is familiar with some of the challenges faced in implementing safeguarding policies, protocols and procedures in the Oceania region.

As athletes and major sporting events regularly traverse Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Katie said

it was vital there was understanding of safeguarding in sport taking greater account of culture, tradition and social structures.

“The value of being in the same room with a such a culturally diverse group, connecting and learning from individuals and organisations working in safeguarding across the Pacific is invaluable,” she said.

“The information shared helps us to better understand the integrity landscape and ensure our efforts to support and strengthen safeguarding capability are targeted and responsive to the needs of partners.

“We were also able to share some of our own successes and challenges with safeguarding in Australia.

“Some of the requests for support from our Pacific partners were around hosting major events in the region and building awareness of safeguarding among athletes, coaches and sport organisations.

“As we continue our integrity work in the Pacific, underpinned by SIA’s Pacific Engagement strategy, we can use information from this and future forums to help tailor initiatives moving forward.”

CREATING CULTURALLY SAFE SPACES FOR SPORT

A key goal of the Safe Sport Regional Hub is to foster environments where sport can be a safe, empowering force for good. This means going beyond sport governance and engaging broader civil society – legal systems, NGOs, community leaders, and international organisations like UN Women.

“Sport is a powerful vehicle for change,” Professor Cairney noted.

“Pacific Islanders love their sport, and if we can embed safeguarding principles within sport, it can ripple through communities and help drive broader social change.”

However, the pathway from grassroots participation to high performance in the Pacific is often narrow and informal. This makes young athletes particularly vulnerable, especially when they travel to Australia, New Zealand, or other countries for training and competition.

“We have a strong moral and ethical responsibility to ensure that every athlete who comes here from the Pacific has the safest experience possible,” Professor Cairney said.

“Brisbane 2032 is a Games for the whole Pacific, and that gives this work even greater urgency.”

NEXT STEPS AND THE ROAD TO BRISBANE 2032

With the initial desktop audit complete, the UQ team is now focused on stakeholder engagement. The goal is to deliver a penultimate report to the IOC by the end of the year, with recommendations informed by the voices of Pacific leaders and communities.

“The credibility of this work depends on our ability to act as honest brokers,” Professor Cairney emphasised.

“We must ensure that Pacific stakeholders are leading this work and that their voices are front and centre in the decision-making process.”

Funding remains a key question, with the IOC exploring philanthropic avenues to support implementation. But the foundation is being laid for a transformative shift in how sport is practiced and protected across the Oceania region.

“This initiative is more than a feasibility study – it’s a movement toward a safer, more inclusive sporting future. It’s about listening, learning and leading together,” Professor Cairney said.

Further information about the Safe Sport Regional Hub initiative can be found on the UQ website: globalpartnerships.uq.edu.au/safe-sport-hub or the IOC website: olympics.com/ioc/safe-sport/safe-sport-regional-hub-initiative

Pacific Advisory Council for the IOC Safe Sport Regional Hub Initiative. Image: Taina Flatz. Courtesy: The University of Queensland.

WALKING WITH purpose

For Beki Smith OLY, walking has never just been a sport – it’s been a way of life, a path to purpose and a platform for change. From the Little Athletics oval on Dharug land in Mt Druitt to the Olympic stage in London, Beki’s journey is one of resilience, pride and a deep commitment to making sport a safer, fairer, and more inclusive space for all – especially First Nations peoples.

Now, as one of the newest members of Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) Athlete Advisory Group (AAG), she’s bringing her lived experience, cultural insight, and unwavering passion to the table.

Coming from a low socioeconomic background and area, sport was a place where Beki felt comfortable and proud.

“You never forget your upbringing or where you come from; you're always grateful for that,” Beki said.

“While I wouldn't change it for the world, sport was where I could strive for something greater than my postcode.”

It was Little Athletics that sparked Beki’s love for sport and eventually race walking. As a 6-year-old, Beki loved all of the events but excelled more on the endurance side. She got into race walking when she was 10.

“Technically, it's either something that you can or can't do; luckily enough for me it came quite naturally,” she said.

“I loved how different it was compared to everything else. I loved the challenge between having to be technically sound throughout the whole event while still trying to go as fast as you can. I was proud that not everyone could do it, but I was somebody that could.”

A proud Yuin woman, Beki didn’t grow up on her Country, but the local elders and community helped shape her identity.

“I always make a conscious effort to say I’m from Mt Druitt,” she said. “If I can do it – as a little fair-skinned Aboriginal girl from a disadvantaged area – then hopefully that inspires other kids to realise their dreams, whether it’s sport, government, politics…whatever.”

BEKI’S MOTIVATION

“You always want to tread lightly in this world, but for me, a big motivation is making the spaces I’m in a bit better than when I came into them.”

As a child, Beki was captivated by the power of representation. Watching Cathy Freeman, Patrick Johnson and Kyle Vander-Kuyp on TV wasn’t just exciting – it was transformative.

Opposite: Beki Smith (#201) of NSW competes in the womens 10,000m race walk final during day six of the Australian Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on 31 March, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo

“They were ‘my kind’ of athletes that really paved the way for me,” she said. “Watching them succeed made me think, ‘If they can do it, I can do it’.”

She still remembers the goosebumps watching Cathy Freeman’s gold medal moment at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

“It’s so hard to put into words the impact she had on all Australians,” Beki said.

“That moment sparked a nation to be proud of everything Australia is – especially our First Nations side. But we’ve still got a long way to go. We just need to dig a little bit deeper sometimes.”

Now, Beki sits alongside those same heroes – working with Kyle and Pat on advisory committees and through her role with the agency, with Patrick SIA’s Culture and Safety Advisor, and Kyle recently appointed to the Culture and Safety Advisory Committee.

“I still pinch myself every day getting to work with them and have been able to build beautiful relationships where I learn so much every time we catch up,” she said.

“Our conversations are never just about the weather –they’re deep, impactful and always about how we can do better for the next generation.”

“If I can do it – as a little fair-skinned Aboriginal girl from a disadvantaged area –then hopefully that inspires other kids to realise their dreams, whether it’s sport, government, politics…whatever .

by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“ It’s not the athletes’ responsibility to teach their coaches, admin staff, or massage therapists how to be culturally aware and safe . We need representation across all levels – coaching, management, governance .

LIFE LESSONS TAUGHT THROUGH SPORT

One of Beki’s most vivid memories is watching Jane Saville get disqualified in the final moments of her race walk at the Sydney Olympics.

“I was there with my mum, running up and down the course chasing her,” she recalls.

“I was bolting, sprinting – and the walkers were flying past me. I still couldn’t keep up.”

She remembers the collective sigh of the stadium when the red paddle appeared on the screen just before Jane was about to enter the stadium.

“That heartbreak…a home Games, Olympic gold… I couldn’t dream of it,” Beki said.

“But what was more impressive was how she came back four years later and won an Olympic medal.”

For Beki, that moment was a life lesson. “Sport teaches you how to fail and get up and keep moving. It’s good to fail – you learn more and come back bigger and better.”

In 2012, Beki lived her own dream – representing Australia at the London Olympics.

It was a proud moment for the then 25-year-old, who was often mocked for being a walker, but always held her head high telling the naysayers “I don’t care, I want to go to the Olympics”.

Above: AIS Community Engagement Advisor Beki Smith at the launch of the Australian Sports Commission’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2022. Image courtesy the Australian Sports Commission.

Below (L to R): Jemima Montag, Beki Smith and Claire Tallent at the Australian 20km Walk Championships in 2018 in Adelaide.

(Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“Putting on the Olympic uniform was a dream come true,” she said. “To achieve something so big at such a young age…I’ll never take it for granted.”

But the experience wasn’t exactly what she imagined. “I didn’t get to go to the opening ceremony (still training in Italy). You see the whole package on TV, and that’s what you dream of. But I was lucky enough to go to the Paris Olympics in a role with the AOC, and that helped bring the two experiences together.”

Even now, she misses being an athlete. “If my body could handle it, I’d still be going today,” Beki said. “I miss travelling, I miss representing Australia in the green and gold. But I’m fortunate to do it in a different way now – which is just as powerful and beautiful.”

THE POWER OF SPORT TO CREATE CHANGE

Now working at the AIS as a Community Engagement Advisor, Beki sees firsthand the power of sport to connect and uplift communities. Her role on SIA’s AAG is a chance to bring a First Nations cultural lens to sport integrity and to help reshape systems that haven’t always served everyone equally.

“I don’t speak on behalf of all First Nations people,” she said. “But I hope I can bring that perspective, not only to help educate, but to create meaningful impact and change.”

She’s passionate about representation – not just on the field, but in the workforce. When asked if she feels Australia is moving forward when it comes to cultural safety in sport, Beki said on the surface “yes”, but more needs to be done at a deeper level.

“It’s not the athletes’ responsibility to teach their coaches, admin staff, or massage therapists how to be culturally aware and safe. We need representation across all levels – coaching, management, governance.

“When we talk about safe spaces and culturally safe spaces in sport, we really need to know the individuals in those spaces to be able to ensure that they're safe as well. We can't just throw a blanket across a whole cohort of people.

“Currently, we don't have the people power with the experience to push the larger bodies of work that need to be pushed.

“We’re relying on people with a lack of experience –beautiful people with the best of intentions and wanting to learn – who require education, so tasks inevitably take longer.”

Driving systemic change in the First Nations space often means a small few take a heavy load, however

this is not a deterrent for Beki. She speaks openly about the concept of cultural load – and the misconceptions that can sometimes come with it.

“I’ve missed opportunities in sport because people assumed I’d be burnt out by cultural load,” she said.

“My culture doesn’t burn me out, it gives me energy, motivation and fight. It’s the system that burns me out. The lack of education and representation is what’s exhausting.”

Her message is clear: “I won’t be burnt out if the system is set up for me to succeed.”

As Beki now looks ahead to her work with SIA, she reflects on what integrity means to her. She said it isn’t just a word; it’s a way of being.

“It’s how you behave in sport; from the highest echelon of yourself. It’s about ensuring our behaviours are at the highest expectations so everyone in sport feels safe and has a place of belonging.”

She believes integrity must be embedded in every layer of sport – from policy to practice and from grassroots to high performance.

As a mum watching her 12-year-old son play footy, Beki sees the values she’s lived by reflected in him.

“He’s competitive, but he’s kind. He checks on injured players, celebrates his teammates – that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Heralding the ‘Play Well, Win Well’ philosophy, Beki notes the importance of sport in teaching more than just how to win the game, event or race.

“You win in life skills, in behaviour, in resilience. That’s what we need to teach – especially in community sport.”

But she’s also aware of the pressure that can come from the sideline in sport.

“We need to stop living vicariously through our kids. Guide them, support them, let them fail and get back up again.

“Education is the key in community sport and helping parents understand what really matters for kids in sport.”

Beki walks with purpose in every space she enters. Her journey is a reminder that sport is more than competition. It’s a platform for change, a space for healing, and a powerful tool for building a better, fairer future.

“If I’m getting paid to do that – far out, how lucky am I?”

2026 PROHIBITED LIST

SUMMARY OF MAJOR MODIFICATIONS & EXPLANATORY NOTES

SUBSTANCES AND METHODS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES (IN- AND OUT-OF-COMPETITION)

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

S1. Anabolic agents

 It was clarified in S1.1. that esters of the prohibited steroids are also prohibited.

S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics

 Pegmolesatide was added as an example of a new EPO-mimetic agent.

S3. Beta-2 Agonists

 The dosing intervals of salmeterol were revised to avoid potential ergogenic effects beyond therapeutic action1. The maximum delivered dose is unchanged at 200 micrograms over 24 hours.

S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators

 2-Phenylbenzo[h]chromen-4-one, also known as α-naphthoflavone or 7,8-benzoflavone, was added as an example of an aromatase inhibitor. This synthetic substance has been found in supplements.

 5-N,6-N-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b] pyrazine-5,6-diamine, also known as BAM15, was added as an example of an activator of the AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK). This synthetic substance has been found in supplements.

1 Thoueille P, Danion A, Hostrup M, Petrou M, Deventer K, Buclin T, Girardin F, Mazzoni I, Rabin O, Guidi M. Pharmacometric-based evaluation of salmeterol and its metabolite ɑ-hydroxysalmeterol in plasma and urine: practical implications for doping control. Submitted for publication.

PROHIBITED METHODS

M1. Manipulation of Blood and Blood Components

 It was clarified that withdrawal of blood or blood components is prohibited except for 1) analytical purposes including medical tests or Doping Control, or for 2) donation purposes performed in a collection center accredited by the relevant regulatory authority of the country in which it operates. Note that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and related procedures remain not prohibited.

 The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) was added to the Prohibited Methods as a new section, M 1.4. It can increase erythropoiesis under certain conditions. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as total haemoglobin mass measurements or the determination of pulmonary diffusion capacity, is not prohibited. The current wording was chosen to differentiate between illicit use and the intake resulting from natural combustion processes (e.g. smoking), the environment (e.g. exhaust gases) or diagnostic procedures.

M3. Gene and Cell Doping

 Cell components (e.g. nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) are added to the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells.

SUBSTANCES AND METHODS PROHIBITED IN-COMPETITION

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

S6. Stimulants

 2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methylsulfinyl]acetamide (flmodafinil) and 2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methylsulfinyl]-N-hydroxyacetamide (fladrafinil) were added to the S6.A list of nonspecified stimulants. These unapproved substances are potent analogs of modafinil and adrafinil, and are sold as supplements.

S9. Glucocorticoids

 The following clarification is added as a footnote to the Glucocorticoid Washout Table: “Use of sustainedrelease glucocorticoid formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption.”

 The Washout Period Table is also found in the List FAQ wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list#faq-anchor as well as in the Glucocorticoids and Therapeutic Use Exemptions Guidelines wada-ama.org/en/ resources/therapeutic-useexemption/glucocorticoidsand-therapeutic-use-exemptions-guidelines

MONITORING PROGRAM

 It is clarified that the urine monitoring of semaglutide includes also the monitoring of tirzepatide.

For further information on previous modifications and clarifications, please consult the Prohibited List Frequently Asked Questions at wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list#faq-anchor.

(including periarticular, intra-articular, peritendinous and intratendinous)

Glucocorticoid Washout Table

* The ‘washout period’ refers to the time from the last administered dose to the time of the start of the In-Competition period (i.e. beginning at 11:59 pm on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to participate, unless a different period was approved by WADA for a given sport). This is to allow elimination of the glucocorticoid to below the reporting level.

** Oral routes also include e.g. oromucosal, buccal, gingival and sublingual.

*** Use of sustained-releaswe glucocorticoid formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption.

SPORTS APPS & CHILD SAFETY

WHAT EVERY SPORT SHOULD KNOW

The use of sports management apps is rapidly growing in community sport. These platforms help clubs manage registrations, fixtures, game statistics and team communications. While they offer convenience, they also introduce serious child safeguarding risks that every sport must be aware of.

During National Child Protection Week (NCPW), Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) urged sport organisations, parents and carers to stay alert and informed about how to better protect children and young people from potential online abuse, particularly through public-facing profiles on sports management apps.

With this year’s NCPW theme focused on shifting conversation to action, the message was clear: now is the time to take tangible steps to protect children and young people in sport.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Children have the right to feel safe and have their personal information protected. As digital tools become embedded in sport, it’s critical that clubs, associations and administrators understand the risks and take action to mitigate them.

Australia is strengthening online protections through recent legislative changes, including:

• Children’s Online Privacy Code (implementation due by December 2026)

• Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 (effective December 2025).

These changes will have implications for how sporting organisations manage children’s data and digital interactions.

THE BENEFITS AND RISKS

Sporting organisations rely on sports management apps to help ease the administrative pressure on volunteers, staff, coaches and officials. However, with any technology there are also potential risks, and in this case the risk is to children and young people whose information can be public facing through use of these apps.

Key risks

• Public access to player profiles, photos and match locations.

• Potential for grooming and exploitation through shared interests.

• Exposure of children under protection orders or in care.

• AI manipulation of images for harmful purposes.

• Unmonitored chat features between children and adults.

• Increased vulnerability for children with disabilities.

• Weak privacy settings and potential data breaches.

CASE STUDY:

Default public profiles in a sports management app

A popular sports management app used in Australia was found to have user profiles set to public by default, including those of children. This meant that names, game statistics and teams were visible and searchable with the app. While users could manually change their settings to private, many were unaware of the default visibility, potentially exposing personal information without informed consent.

The sport’s governing body took steps to address the issue by:

• publishing guidance on how participants and parents could update privacy settings for themselves and their children

• clarifying visibility risks in public communications, including app FAQs and support articles

• reinforcing their commitment to protecting personal information and child safety through updated messaging and support resources.

This case highlights the importance of:

• defaulting to privacy in app design

• educating users about visibility settings

• ensuring child safety is prioritised in digital platforms used by sports organisations.

WHAT PARENTS AND CLUBS CAN DO “

Parents need to remember their child’s profile isn’t just statistics –it’s personal data.

The use of these apps is not just about recording goals scored or attendance.

While our busy lives can be made that little bit easier by accessing information from the device in your hand, ask yourself: are you comfortable with strangers having that same information about your child?

With tech-based abuse becoming more prevalent, we need to take responsibility for the information we make available.

SIA Director of Safeguarding, Lisa Purves

When it comes to sports management apps, the first step is ensuring users are aware of what information is being collected. Parents and carers may assume their child’s profile needs to be public, but in many cases, profiles can be set to private. Other tips:

• Encourage parents to talk to their child about online privacy and safety.

• Restrict access to personal information and match locations.

• Educate your sport community on responsible app use.

• Activate available features to limit who can access player information.

• Encourage senior leadership to engage app developers to prioritise child safety.

• Educate staff, volunteers, parents, caregivers, and children and young people about your sport’s Code of Conduct, Privacy and Social Media policies in using the apps responsibly.

• Access resources from experts in child safety and digital wellbeing.

CREATING SAFER DIGITAL SPACES

Content warning: This section and the linked webinar contain sensitive material, including references to child sexual assault and suicide. Reader and viewer discretion is advised.

As part of NCPW, SIA hosted a webinar on Tech-Based Abuse in Sport – Exploitation, which drew strong attendance from across the sporting community. The session explored harmful behaviours such as grooming, unwanted contact and doxing, and their impact on athlete wellbeing, particularly for children and young people.

Guest speaker Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk, shared insights from his work educating school communities about online abuse, including the growing issue of sexual extortion. He emphasised the importance of early intervention and support, drawing on real-life examples that highlighted the life-saving role of education and awareness.

Wayne’s advocacy is deeply personal. He founded SmackTalk following the loss of his son to suicide, driven by a commitment to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. His work has helped shape national conversations around online safety, including his involvement in the Let Them Be Kids campaign, which successfully lobbied for the social media age reform coming into effect this December.

For readers who want to deepen their understanding of tech-based abuse in sport and hear directly from experts like Wayne, the webinar replay is available on the SIA website. It’s a valuable resource for coaches, administrators, parents and carers seeking practical strategies to protect children and young people in digital environments.

Importantly, young athletes may not always have the words to express when something is wrong. That’s why trusted adults like coaches, parents, carers and team managers, are in a unique position to notice behavioural changes, ask open-ended questions and offer support without judgement. As Wayne Holdsworth shared, creating safe spaces for young people to talk is critical, and online harms don’t stop at the sporting field. The responsibility to protect children extends into the digital spaces where sport increasingly operates.

Digital platforms are here to stay in sport, and so is our responsibility to use them safely. By taking proactive steps, sport organisations, parents and carers can help create safer environments for children and young people, both on and off the field.

Watch the webinar

Scan the QR code to browse Sport Integrity Australia’s full collection of webinars, including  Tech-Based Abuse in Sport – Exploitation.

“

Listen to understand, don’t listen to respond.

Wayne Holdsworth, SmackTalk

Questions

to ask young athletes

Recommended by Wayne Holdsworth

“There seems to be something bothering you. Can you explain that?”

“You’re normally on time for your training session or the games –you’ve been running late. Is there something bothering you?”

Members of the public who have information about people involved in online child sexual abuse are urged to contact the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE). If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000. If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what online child sexual exploitation is and how to report it, visit the ACCCE website.

Applying a cultural lens to safeguard sport

MEET OUR CULTURE AND SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

“Kyle, you know it’s not a disadvantage to be Aboriginal – it’s an advantage. But you’ve got to use it.”

Those words, spoken by AFL great Maurice Rioli, inspired a young athlete and ignited a lifelong purpose. Kyle Vander-Kuyp was only 10 when he told his mum he wanted to run for Australia. But like many young Indigenous kids, he faced uncertainty about where he belonged and whether his dream was truly within reach.

Rioli’s message unlocked something within Kyle – the belief that sport could be more than just competition. It could be a pathway to confidence, self-esteem and cultural pride. That moment became a compass for everything that followed.

From his career on the track to his work as a role model, ambassador, mentor, and now committee member, Kyle has carried that message everywhere.

“It’s all been about how can we make our spaces better? How can we create more opportunities? How can we make it more inclusive?” Kyle said.

It’s through this lens of lived experience and cultural empowerment that Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) announced the formation of the Culture and Safety Advisory Committee in July, a new initiative dedicated to supporting SIA to strengthen prevention and protection strategies for integrity, safety and inclusion across Australian sport.

The committee brings together seven independent experts with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. It provides a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and LGBTQ+ communities.

ADVOCATING INCLUSION: DEAN BARTON-SMITH

Their role is to provide insights to help inform SIA’s strategies and activities, working together to help safeguard the future of sport by assisting to foster safe, fair and inclusive sporting environments for all Australians.

The committee members are:

 Patrick Johnson OLY (Co-Chair)

 Dean Barton-Smith AM OLY (Co-Chair)

 Libby Burke

 Mark deWeerd

 Phil Doorgachurn

 Lauren Jauncey

 Mitch Nivalis

 Kyle Vander-Kuyp OLY

As Co-Chair of the committee, Dean Barton-Smith AM OLY draws on decades of experience as an athlete and advocate for inclusion. Deaf since birth, Dean made history as the first deaf person globally to compete in the decathlon at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, representing Australia. He has since become a nationally recognised leader focussed on accessibility, inclusion and advocacy.

Drawing on his decades of experience, Dean invites the sporting community to consider a fundamental question: “Are you sport for all, or sport for some?”

“You might say you welcome everyone, but are you creating spaces where people feel safe, respected and are able to thrive?”

Dean’s perspective now drives his work on the committee, where he’s focused on lifting the bar across the sporting landscape and helping shape a culture that reflects genuine inclusion. He believes sport must move beyond generic inclusive statements and start listening to those who’ve felt excluded.

“We need to ask ourselves: are we truly creating spaces where people feel they belong? Are we giving them the opportunity to thrive and advance further and enjoy sport on equal footing?”

Dean also emphasises the importance of safe and trusted avenues for people to raise concerns. “If someone experiences discrimination, racism or exclusion, they need to know there’s somewhere to go.”

The Culture and Safety Advisory Committee from left to right: Kyle Vander-Kuyp OLY, Mark deWeerd, Dean Barton-Smith AM OLY (Co-Chair), Libby Burke, Lauren Jauncey, Phil Doorgachurn, Mitch Nivalis and SIA's Culture and Safety Advisor Patrick Johnson OLY (Co-Chair).

Artwork by Chern’ee Sutton

Dean believes the committee can help set a new standard, one that other organisations can follow. “If we get this right, we won’t just safeguard sport in Australia. We’ll help shape a better future for sport everywhere.”

A VOICE FOR COMMUNITY: MARK DEWEERD

Mark deWeerd brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of how sport can shape lives. A proud Aboriginal man, Mark spent over 10 years working with a National Sporting Organisation, where he saw both the positive impact of sport and the cultural gaps that still exist.

At the NRL, he worked to improve opportunities for First Nations people, not just on the field but in leadership and community engagement. Even after stepping away from the sector professionally, Mark remains a strong advocate for culturally safe environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can thrive.

He’s encouraged by the progress he’s seen, including the rise of Reconciliation Action Plans and the creation of First Nations advisory groups, but knows there’s more to do. On the committee, he sees his role as helping ensure community voices are reflected in the decisions that shape sport.

“If there are areas where SIA can influence or have an impact, I want community members to feel comfortable reaching out. We’re here to listen and to act.”

CHAMPIONING BELONGING: MITCH NIVALIS

For Mitch Nivalis, inclusion in sport is deeply personal. As a queer, non-binary person, they’ve experienced both exclusion and empowerment through sport. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, Mitch often felt shut out of sporting spaces that weren’t built for people like them. It wasn’t until later in life that they rediscovered their love for sport, this time in a welcoming regional football club designed for women and gender-diverse people.

That experience reshaped their view of what sport could be.

“Finding a space there made me realise what is possible,” Mitch said.

“It’s not difficult work to be done, but I think people just don’t realise the simple things that can be done to really welcome, particularly trans and gender diverse people, into sport.”

On the committee, Mitch hopes to help reframe the conversation around trans and gender-diverse inclusion, moving away from fear-based narratives and toward a future where everyone can thrive.

“There’s a lot of work to be done in reframing those narratives, but I want trans and gender diverse people to know they’re not alone in their experiences in sport. There are people working at a high level to create change.”

Looking ahead

SIA Culture and Safety Advisor, Patrick Johnson OLY, said the committee was established in response to the growing need to address issues like racism, discrimination, bullying, homophobia and sexism in sport. These challenges continue to affect people across all levels of participation.

“We want to make sure we’re creating culturally safe practices and protocols for everyone in sport,” he explained.

“To do that, we need the right people; people with lived experience, diverse perspectives, and deep community connections.”

Patrick sees the committee as a key driver in the development of SIA’s Culture and Safety Strategy and upcoming toolkit, which will offer practical guidance to help sports create safer, more inclusive environments.

“This is something new, not just for the agency, but for sport more broadly,” he said. “We want to educate, support and empower people to deal with the realities of sport, including racism, discrimination and exclusion, and to build systems that protect and uplift everyone.”

He believes the committee’s work will also strengthen other areas of integrity, including anti-doping and safeguarding, by ensuring a cultural lens is applied across all of SIA’s work.

“Sport is an extension of society,” Patrick said. “If we can create safe, inclusive environments in sport, we can help shape a better, more respectful society too.”

BEYOND THE SIDELINES

HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS ARE STRENGTHENING SPORT INTEGRITY IN AUSTRALIA

When Australians think of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), they often picture its frontline work in anti-doping, safeguarding children, and protecting athletes from abuse. But these efforts are increasingly supported by a powerful network of law enforcement partnerships.

Through the Law Enforcement Partnerships Program (LEPP), launched in 2024, SIA works with national and international agencies to share intelligence, coordinate investigations, and take proactive action against threats like organised doping, child exploitation, match-fixing, and trafficking – helping to protect athletes and preserve fair competition.

“We’re seeing sport used as a vehicle for serious criminal activity – whether it’s grooming, trafficking or organised doping,” said Beck Wylie, Manager of SIA’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program and a former police officer.

“Our role is to ensure that law enforcement agencies know they can share information with us, and that we’ll act on it to protect athletes and the integrity of sport.

“We want to be part of the solution,” Beck said.

SIA is recognised as an Enforcement Body under the Privacy Act 1988, enabling it to receive and share sensitive information with law enforcement. Through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with state and territory police, SIA is building a national framework for intelligence sharing that supports early intervention and coordinated investigations.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Poulton from Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit said the partnership has already delivered tangible benefits.

“Without a doubt, it’s been very beneficial for both Vic Pol and SIA, but more importantly I think it’s been enormously beneficial to participants in sport who need our help,” he said.

“Great inroads have been made in terms of safeguarding through the establishment of reporting mechanisms that allow concerned members of our sports communities to report matters that are troubling them via SIA.

↓ SIA is recognised as an Enforcement Body ... enabling it to receive and share sensitive information with law enforcement. Through Memorandums of Understanding ... SIA is building a national framework for intelligence sharing that supports early intervention and coordinated investigations .

“The Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit within Vic Pol acts as a conduit, allowing SIA to provide timely intelligence to Vic Pol. They can now do this with a level of confidence that it will be appropriately disseminated within Vic Pol, and the matter will be actioned.”

The collaboration has helped address issues across a wide range of sports – from combat sports and ice

“ Sport plays such a massive role in our society ... sadly, it’s sometimes where society’s darker elements can surface — our job is to make sure those threats are identified and addressed before they cause harm.

Beck Wylie Manager, Law Enforcement Partnership Program

skating to lawn bowls and volleyball. It’s also led to early intervention in cases involving inappropriate relationships, social media misuse, and parental abuse, as well as more serious investigations by sexual offences and child abuse teams.

“There has been a host of positive outcomes, but some of the early intervention work to address inappropriate relationships between coaches and athletes, inappropriate use of social media, parental abuse and the like are really important,” Detective Senior Sergeant Poulton said.

“We have also had more serious matters requiring investigation by our Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams.”

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the importance of these partnerships is only growing. SIA is already working with National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) across the Pacific region to build capability and prepare for the influx of international athletes and spectators.

“The establishment of these relationships, well before the Games, will be vitally important,” Poulton said.

“SIA has ensured the region is focused on preparation, and we’re ready to meet the challenges ahead.”

While SIA’s work with law enforcement is critical, Beck Wylie’s work extends further than collaboration with agencies such as the police and border force. She also works directly with sporting organisations to provide advice, support and guidance on integrity matters.

Badminton Australia CEO, TJ Weistra, has worked closely with Beck through SIA’s Law Enforcement Partnership Program on several complex child safeguarding matters.

“Beck’s expertise and commitment have been instrumental in bridging the gap between sport and law enforcement, ensuring that our concerns are heard and acted upon,” TJ said.

“Her support has strengthened our safeguarding frameworks and provided a level of confidence in the systems that protect our athletes and broader sporting community.”

Likewise, Elke Bellgrove, former National Integrity Manager at Bowls Australia, said Beck’s expertise made navigating sensitive integrity issues with police more transparent and effective.

“Beck’s support has made engagement with law enforcement more straightforward and consistent,”  Elke said.

“She understands how police systems operate and can translate that into practical advice for sports. That helps us know what information can be shared, what can’t, and how to approach those conversations appropriately.

“Having that clarity makes a real difference, it reduces uncertainty and helps ensure everyone is working from the same understanding. It’s a reassuring process, especially when dealing with complex or unfamiliar integrity issues.”

Beck’s background in policing and her former experience with the AFL Integrity Unit are bringing valuable insights and fostering stronger collaboration at SIA, helping to further strengthen sport integrity across the country.

“Sport plays such a massive role in our society – and sadly, it’s sometimes where society’s darker elements can surface – our job is to make sure those threats are identified and addressed before they cause harm,” Beck said.

“Having a dedicated law enforcement liaison within SIA ensures that critical intelligence doesn’t fall through the cracks.

“The more connected we are with law enforcement, the more effective we can be in protecting sport and the people within it.”

CASE STUDIES

WORK DIRECTLY WITH SPORTING ORGANISATIONS

In late 2024, a sport reached out to the LEPP for advice around concerns raised in relation to a coach and behaviour towards junior athletes.

Further to the initial report, concerns were also raised around cultural sensitivities particular to this group. These sensitivities made any initial investigation by police into the matter difficult in the first instance. Continued communication between the LEPP and the relevant sporting authority furnished further information that initiated a second line of enquiry by law enforcement. This second set of circumstances and the further police investigation resulted in the coach being charged.

A consequence of this initial investigation is that a further two complainants have now come forward, and additional charges have been laid.

Law enforcement, the relevant sporting authority and the LEPP worked together to ensure the correct messaging was being passed back to the sporting members, while being mindful of not impeding the police investigation or court process. The sport was able to take provisional action and remove the coach from the sport across the entire country.

OPERATION UMBRAL2025

In a major multi-agency operation led by the Australian Border Force, SIA played a key intelligence role in disrupting a national black market in steroids and synthetic drugs.

Over six months, authorities arrested 17 people and seized more than $1.5 million worth of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs), along with $500,000 in suspected criminal assets. The operation targeted Queenslandbased syndicates using international mail systems to import illicit substances.1

SIA’s involvement helped identify key individuals linked to sport, enabling law enforcement to connect the dots between drug trafficking and athlete networks. This kind of intelligence sharing is vital in dismantling doping supply chains and protecting athletes from exploitation.

MATCH-FIXING ON THE GOLD COAST

In August 2025, two men were extradited from New South Wales to Queensland after allegedly attempting to bribe a Gold Coast soccer player to fix matches.

Acting as ‘player agents’ for an offshore investment group, the men approached the athlete with offers of payment in exchange for manipulating game outcomes.2 The case was referred to authorities by Football Australia and investigated in collaboration with SIA, NSW Police, and Queensland Police. While no games were compromised, the arrests marked only the second time match-fixing charges had been laid since legislation was introduced in 2014 – a stark reminder of the importance of proactive intelligence sharing.

1 Multi-agency operation disrupts alleged steroid and drug syndicates, Australian Border Force media release

“Match-fixing is serious criminal behaviour that undermines community confidence in the fairness of sport,” Detective Chief Inspector Melissa Anderson told ABC News.

“We are committed to working with partner agencies, including the New South Wales Police and Sport Integrity Australia, to ensure a safe and fair sporting environment in Queensland.”

2 Two men charged after alleged match-fixing attempt on Gold Coast soccer games, ABC News

2025 Pacific Mini Games

BUILDING INTEGRITY ACROSS THE PACIFIC 2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES

Palau came alive in July as it welcomed over 1,500 athletes from 24 Pacific nations and territories for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Amid the excitement and competition, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) proudly stood alongside the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organization (ORADO), reinforcing a shared commitment to clean sport and capacity building across the region.

SIA’s long-standing partnership with ORADO was on full display at the Games, with four SIA staff members travelling to Palau to support anti-doping education and testing programs which were being led and delivered onsite by ORADO.

SIA Head of Strategy and International Policy, James Moller, said this collaboration was vital to help build sport integrity capacity in the region.

“By sharing experiences and knowledge with local Doping Control Officers (DCOs) and Clean Sport Educators, we continue to build capacity in the region as we work towards Brisbane 2032 being a Games for the whole Pacific.”

EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION

SIA supported ORADO in delivering an impactful education outreach program as part of the Voices of the Athletes (VoA) initiative, coordinated by the Oceania National Olympic Committee Athletes Commission. The outreach – focused on the ‘Play True’ pillar – engaged over 600 athletes and support staff, exceeding expectations.

Positioned strategically outside the athletes’ dining hall and even extending to local schools, the booth became a hub of interaction. Multilingual support from ORADO volunteers enhanced accessibility, especially for participants with limited English proficiency. The enthusiasm and engagement from athletes, many of whom had received pre-Games education, underscored the growing awareness of clean sport across the Pacific.

The VoA program also offered valuable insights into broader integrity themes such as safeguarding and leadership, inspiring future enhancements to SIA’s own education initiatives.

STRENGTHENING TESTING CAPACITY

On the testing front, SIA provided technical expertise to support ORADO’s delivery of a robust anti-doping program across multiple venues. The experience highlighted the dedication of local DCOs, many of whom embraced the opportunity to learn and grow in real-world settings.

While there were some logistical challenges, these moments served as learning opportunities. They reinforced the importance of early engagement, dedicated support, and ongoing training to ensure seamless testing operations at future events.

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

The Games revealed areas for growth, including the need for more dedicated education personnel and consistent training for DCOs. Rather than setbacks, these insights are guiding future strategies:

• Expanding Education Resources: Plans are underway to develop a hands-on education toolkit for ORADO member countries.

• Enhancing Pre-Games Preparation: Review of anti-doping education across nations will help identify gaps and target support.

• Sustaining Momentum: Post-Games engagement through the ORADO Education Working Group will ensure continued progress.

The Pacific Mini Games were not just a celebration of sport – they were a testament to the power of collaboration. SIA’s presence in Palau reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific partners in building sport integrity capability. As we look toward Brisbane 2032 and beyond, these partnerships will be vital in ensuring that every athlete, from every nation, competes on a level playing field.

Athletes and officials attend the 2025 Pacific Mini Games

Palau | July 2025

OUT & ABOUT INTERNATIONAL OUT & ABOUT INTERNATIONAL

ONE VOICE AND WADA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

In September, Deputy CEO and Head of Strategy, International Policy and Corporate, Luke McCann, travelled to Prague to attend the OneVoice meeting of Public Authorities followed by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting. Mr McCann represented Oceania at both meetings as the Registered Deputy appointed by the Minister for Sport. Mr McCann was accompanied by SIA’s Director of Major Sporting Events and Government partnerships, Justine Crawford.

Chaired by Japan, OneVoice is the platform of Public Authority representatives on WADA’s ExCo and Foundation Board, who meet regularly and prior to WADA meetings, to discuss and determine consensus positions on agenda items. Key items for decision included approval of the 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, National Anti-Doping Organisation compliance matters and approval of Scientific Research Grants.

Mr McCann said the meetings continue to provide a platform for a coordinated and collaborative approach to maintaining and strengthening the global anti-doping system.

“The reciprocal, transparent and collaborative nature of the OneVoice meeting ensures consistency across our regions all with the aligned objective of keeping sport safe.

“The WADA meetings provide invaluable opportunities to engage with key voices including athlete representatives, National Anti-Doping Agencies, governments and WADA to maintain and bolster the efficacy of the global frameworks we operate within.”

The third and final WADA ExCo meeting for 2026 will take place in Busan in December, prior to the Sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport, with the WADA Foundation Board meeting immediately after.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SITE VISIT

Prior to her participation in Prague, Director of Major Sporting Events and International Engagement, Justine Crawford, had the privilege of being hosted by Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) in Glasgow.

Ms Crawford has been appointed as the Safety and Integrity Lead of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team at Glasgow 2026 next year.

Together with the Australian Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM, the Team Executive and sport managers, Ms Crawford attended many of the venues that will play host to the Australian Team during the Games.

Ms Crawford said that the visit to Glasgow provided an opportunity to lay the foundational groundwork in-person, and in-country, that will ensure integrity, fairness and safety are at the forefront of preparing Australians to perform at their best.

“It was a great opportunity to be hosted by Commonwealth Games Australia, and engage with the program sports, facility coordinators and local law enforcement to set the foundation for effective safety and integrity plans for the Games.

“It’s engagements and behind the scenes work like this, in the buildup to major sporting events, which ensure their success and enjoyment for all participants.”

The Commonwealth Games will take place between 23 July and 2 August 2026.

COLLABORATION ON CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE FRAMEWORKS

In August, Culture and Safety Advisor, Patrick Johnson OLY, along with Strategy, International Policy and Corporate division Executive Officer, Ellen Coleman, had the privilege of being hosted by our New Zealand counterparts at Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand (SICNZ). The gracious hosts provided the opportunity for SIA to observe and learn about Māori culture and work undertaken by SICNZ to embed cultural practices to further strengthen the work of the Commission.

“Like our Pacific partners, we understand that we live, work and play sport on culturally and linguistically diverse lands; as the national integrity body, it is our responsibility to lead work with our sport sector to embed First Nations culture in everyday work, helping to ensure that our agency and sport clubs/organisations are culturally safe spaces for all participants and members,” said Mr Johnson.

“As we build these culturally inclusive frameworks it’s important that we engage and collaborate with Partners who are also working to shape legacy and influence across their sporting ecosystem.”

The visit was capped off with the immersive ‘All Blacks Experience – Where the spirit of the game meets the soul of a country’.

Clockwise from above:

SIA's Patrick Johnson and Ellen Coleman experiencing the All Blacks immersive tour in Auckland.

SIA's Patrick Johnson and Ellen Coleman with colleagues from Sport Integrity Commission New Zealand Te Kahu Raunui in Auckland.

Commonwealth Games Australia Team Managers and Team Leadership in Glasgow attending a site visit at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

SIA's Deputy CEO, Luke McCann with WADA Director of Government Relations, Darren Mullaly, at the WADA ExCo meeting in Prague.

SIA's Deputy CEO, Luke McCann, and Director of Major Sporting Events & International Engagement, Justine Crawford, at the WADA ExCo meeting in Prague.

NEW RESOURCES HIGHLIGHT HEALTHY COACH-ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS IN SPORT

We believe everyone in sport has the right to learn, play and compete without fear of abuse

Sport Integrity Australia partnered with #WeRideTogether in National Child Protection Week to improve education around keeping young athletes safe from abuse.

#WeRideTogether is a non-profit organisation based in the United States that shines a light on the issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports.

These new resources shine a spotlight on positive examples of healthy coach-athlete relationships as well as raising awareness of unhealthy behaviours that can cause harm . “

The new resources, launched by SIA and #WeRideTogether, include information about identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships between coaches and athletes and encourage bystanders to respond to any poor behaviour they might see.

SIA’s Director of Education, Alexis Cooper, said the partnership with #WeRideTogether was a natural fit with the shared mission to make youth and grassroots sport environments safer.

“The coach-athlete relationship can be such a valuable part of sport and is fundamental to building safe, fair and joyful sporting experiences,” Ms Cooper said.

“These new resources shine a spotlight on positive examples of healthy coach-athlete relationships as well as raising awareness of unhealthy behaviours that can cause harm.

“It's so important to help young athletes identify and speak up against poor behaviours so they're protected – and it’s equally important to show young athletes what great sporting environments look and sound like too.

“That way, young athletes, and those around them like coaches and parents, know what they should expect and

are more empowered to shape sporting environments that are safer, happier and more fulfilling.

“The resources also give practical tips on how to be an active bystander, so everyone can make a difference.”

#WeRideTogether Executive Director Michaela Callie reflected that protecting children and young people in sport from abuse crosses borders and jurisdictions.

“Expanding #WeRideTogether internationally isn’t just growth – it’s a commitment. Safe, healthy sport is a global pursuit, and every athlete has the right to practice and compete without fear of abuse,”

Ms Callie said.

"When we safeguard athletes, we strengthen sport itself, across every border, field, rink, and arena. As #WeRideTogether expands globally, we’re reminded that protecting athletes is protecting the heart of sport.

It’s not just a national priority; it’s an international responsibility.

Healthy

The National Child Protection Week theme this year focuses on Shifting Conversation to Action.

“While dialogue is essential when it comes to raising awareness of abuse in sport, we can only turn those conversations into meaningful action by challenging harmful norms and sparking new ideas,”

Ms Cooper said.

“We're excited to share this important work here in Australia.”

Find all of the resources on the Sport Integrity Australia website.

coach-athlete relationships sound like . . .

The diagram gives examples of what you might be said when there are healthy relationship dynamics between a coach and an athlete. Is this what you’re hearing in your sporting environment?