Unfortunately, the latest Victorian budget has cancelled two trailblazing programs that helped more women and girls enjoy and participate in sports equally. This very welcome decision was made public during a recent Sport and Experience Economy parliamentary group on Wednesday. This decision has raised fears that this will be the fate of any future gender equality efforts in the state. These city and state based programs were truly innovative in Australia, being the first of their kind. The cuts mean the programs will end in the next months, an outcome that has many advocates and participants crestfallen.
The Secretary of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions confirmed that certain lapsing programs will not receive further funding. The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) is one of the targeted initiatives. Delivered through Sport and Recreation Victoria, it has played an important role by funding 580 grants, more than $2.9 million, to community-led sporting and active recreation clubs across Victoria.
Impact of the Cuts
The OWSR grew to be Australia’s first specialised office working to increase gender equity in sports. It was indispensable in helping to raise the profile of women’s participation and representation in the field. The violence prevention program had a three year run. It was a noble effort to promote safer playing conditions for female athletes, but will now be shelved.
Marnie Vinall, another Making the Call program alum, shared her worries over this latest announcement. This program eventually grew into the Change Our Game sports broadcasting program. All of the participants in these programs had experienced firsthand the incredible impacts they made on the increased participation of women in sports.
“The functions of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation will continue to be held within Sport and Recreation Victoria.” – Victorian government spokesperson
Budget Focus and Future Directions
The state budget, released Tuesday, is expected to produce a $600 million surplus — the largest since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its stated intent seems mostly directed on relieving cost-of-living burdens and helping families. Critics contend that when prioritizing these initiatives, it does not mean that work must stop for gender equality. They are passionate advocates that gender equality programs have provided tangible outcomes in increasing community awareness and involvement.
Despite the cuts, a spokesperson for the Victorian government assured that they “will always support women and girls’ participation in sport and recreation.” This is a bold expression of intent to drive forward with support for gender equality. As with this previous round of funding, the outlines of future initiatives remain murky.
Looking Ahead
As the end of these programs nears, advocates for women’s sports are left wondering what comes next. Without dedicated funding, states are unable to make any real or lasting impact for gender equality in sports. This has a chilling impact on grassroots efforts and professional leagues alike.
