Opals legend joins government’s women in sport roundtable

One of Australia’s all-time great sporting identities has become the second star athlete this week to appear alongside an Aussie politician.

Basketball legend Lauren Jackson has lended her star power to the government’s fight for equal pay in women’s sport. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Basketball legend Lauren Jackson has lent her star power to the government’s fight for equal pay and representation in women’s sport.

An inaugural women’s sport workforce roundtable was held in Canberra on Tuesday with more than 50 stakeholders in attendance.

The Opals star hoped the workforce would help boost recognition for women in off-field roles.

“While women are increasingly being recognised for their on-field excellence, we need to improve access and recognition for women in off-field roles,” Ms Jackson said.

The Opals legend joined the Sports Minister for the roundtable in Canberra. NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“It is pretty simple; boosting women’s workforce participation in sport can help build the workforce required and close the gender pay gap.”

Sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins chaired the meeting, which was also attended by tennis champ Casey Dellacqua, Olympian Linley Frame, Paralympics Australia chief Catherine Clark and Netball Australia chief Kelly Ryan.

Providing women with equal opportunities and pay within the sport workforce and greater support and recognition were discussed.

Outcomes from the roundtable will form part of the government’s employment white paper to be released following the jobs and skills summit.

The roundtable was held in person and virtually. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found women in the sport workforce earn on average $263.90 less than men a week.

Sport Minister Anika Wells said it was time women had more power in the sport industry.

“Women bring a diversity of skills and experience, but continue to be under-represented in decision-making in the sport workforce in Australia,” she said.

“While recognition of women’s sports has risen considerably in recent years, this hasn’t translated into more women in power in the sport industry.

“Correcting this will ensure our sport sector, which is so important to our national psyche and culture, properly reflects our nation.”

Originally published as Opals legend joins government’s women in sport roundtable