NEW EQUALITY GUIDELINES UNVEILED

GOLF AUSTRALIA, in conjunction with the Australian Human Rights Commission, recently announced new guidelines to ensure Australian golf clubs provide equal opportunities for both genders.

The launch of the ‘Guidelines for the promotion of equal opportunity for women and girls in golf’ took place at Mt Derrimut Golf and Community Club – which offers seven-day access to all genders – in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the Commission, said the publication provides valuable information about: “The operation of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and practical guidance on how golf clubs can promote equal opportunity for women and girls.

“With its use of a unique handicap system, golf is particularly well placed to be an inclusive game for people of all genders, ages and abilities. A real opportunity exists to increase the participation rates for women and girls within golf,” Jenkins added.

Golf clubs could face legal action if they don’t abide by the guidelines – and they will be urged to minimise the likelihood of a successful discrimination claim and promote equal opportunity by: Ensuring membership categories are gender neutral; Providing open access to the course at all times for women/ girls and men/boys; Maximising the participation of women and girls in competitions; Facilitating the inclusion of women and girls in governance arrangements.

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said: “To this point there has been a clear gap in the guidance we have been able to make available to clubs on two significant issues that relate to equal opportunity for women and girls.

“Firstly, the consistency of various golf operational practices with the federal sex discrimination law, which has been in force since 1984; and, secondly, what it is that clubs can do to implement policies to promote equal opportunity for women and girls in golf.

“We believe this document will go a long way towards filling this space.”

Pitt strongly encouraged all clubs to work through this publication and follow the guidance of the Commission.

“We believe it to be particularly important in assisting clubs to meet their legal obligations and, where there is any doubt as to whether a certain practice complies with the law, we would urge clubs to focus on maximising the inclusion of women and girls and where appropriate, seek legal advice,” he said.

“This approach will help to minimise the risk of a discrimination claim, against a club or an official, under the Act.”

Golf Australia national female participation manager Chyloe Kurdas said: “Culture is determined by leaders … Having our stakeholders, having people within Golf Australia supporting the evolution of our golfing culture to make sure it is more inclusive and safe and supportive and welcoming for women and girls is absolutely vital.

“The contribution from the Australian Human Rights Commission around writing these guidelines gives us a stronger platform on which we want to stand to lead our game moving forward,” she added.

For more information and to view the guidelines, visit either www.golf.org.au or www.humanrights.gov.au.