Preserve the magic of sport: Join the Athlete Advisory Group
Expressions of interest are now open to join Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) Athlete Advisory Group (AAG).
At SIA, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and integrity and the AAG’s role, in providing feedback and guidance, is essential to achieving this goal. The group’s contributions help us to maintain a sporting environment where fairness and safety are paramount.
The AAG is made up of athletes who understand firsthand the complex environment and pressures of sport. These athletes bring their experiences and perspectives to the table, ensuring that the policies and operations of Sport Integrity Australia are informed by those who are directly impacted.
AAG Co-Chair and acting Head of Sport Engagement, Linda Muir, said that by engaging with the AAG, Sport Integrity Australia’s strategies and policies are stronger as they embody the ‘athlete voice’.
“The group's insights help us navigate the intricacies of the sporting landscape, from training and competition to the broader ethical considerations that impact athletes' lives,” Linda said.
Former AFL player and current AAG member, Eric Mackenzie, is passionate about influencing the future of integrity in sport and encourages athletes to apply.
“Maintaining integrity ensures that the magic of sport remains intact," Eric said.
This opportunity comes as we farewell and thank departing AAG members Cassie Fien, Tom Symonds, Katrina Fanning AO and Ellie Cole AM.
SIA expresses our gratitude to these departing athletes for their contributions and important insights on a wide range of integrity matters.
During their tenure, these athletes have made significant contributions and provided insights on a wide range of integrity matters, including:
- Anti-doping testing protocols and equipment and the TUE notification process
- the SIA Annual Update eLearning course
- the proposed World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Lists
- the 2027 WADA Code and International Standards Update.
Decorated Paralympian, Ellie Cole AM, found being part of the AAG a rewarding way to contribute to important changes that directly impact athletes.
"Being part of a group that ensures athlete voices are heard in key decisions, whether it’s modifying the sample collection process, improving education resources or shaping anti-doping policies, was both meaningful and empowering for both myself and the athletes we represent," Ellie said.
“I would absolutely encourage athletes to apply. The AAG is an opportunity to drive change for our athletes and ensures the needs of athletes remain a priority.”
Sport Integrity Australia invites current and former Australian athletes from all sports, diverse backgrounds, experiences and genders to submit an expression an interest to join the AAG.
Eligibility criteria
- Must be over the age of 18.
- Be a current or former senior international or senior national level athlete (i.e. have competed at the highest level of your sport in Australia at a minimum).
- Demonstrate leadership skills and advocacy for the wider athlete cohort.
- Have experience or knowledge of integrity challenges in sport such as anti-doping, competition manipulation and sports gambling, illicit drugs, member protection and safeguarding.
Athletes appointed to the AAG are remunerated for their time to attend meetings. If you would like more information about the operations of the AAG or if you would like to review the AAG Terms of Reference, please contact the AAG Secretariat via AAGSecretariat@sportintegrity.gov.au
An expression of interest can be submitted via our online form.
Expressions of interest close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Sunday 2 March.
