The recent spate of horiffic ice skating allegations to be investigated by federal watchdog

The spate of shocking allegations of misconduct within ice skating has prompted a major intervention from sport’s federal watchdog, Sports Integrity Australia, writes JULIAN LINDEN.

Sports Integrity Australia is investigating the scandal. Picture: AFP

The shocking allegations of misconduct by some Australian ice skating coaches and officials have triggered a major intervention by the federal government’s sporting watchdog.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) boss David Sharpe has confirmed that the national agency will deploy one of its top integrity managers to Ice Skating Australia (ISA) following a flood of complaints of alleged sordid abuse in the sport.

This masthead has already heard from more than a dozen verified participants alleging that sexual misconduct, death threats, bullying and intimidation have been taking place in the sport for years, without anyone being held accountable.

Informants say that police in at least four states – NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia – have received formal complaints that have enabled them to investigate the reported lewd behaviour. No action has been taken.

Australia's Brendan Kerry has been banned in the US. Picture: AFP

Sharpe said some brave whistleblowers had started directly reaching out to SIA, which in part prompted the federal agency to intervene because it wasn’t able to act on the allegations it read in the press.

“I can confirm we have received a small number of complaints,” Sharpe said.

“However, the extent of media coverage does not match the number of complaints received.

“We are concerned about the issues raised in the media and we will work with the sport to ensure an appropriate response to protect the safety of all participants.

“Any complaint reaching a criminal threshold will immediately be referred to the relevant law enforcement or child protection agencies.”

SIA’s involvement is a massive game changer for the many skating participants who have been pleading for help because they were frightened of going public because they might face repercussions.

SIA said it had offered a confidential reporting system in which people could speak up and know they wouldn’t ever be identified.

Brendan Kerry and Laura Peel carried the Australian flag at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

Unable to comment on any of the specific allegations, Sharpe said SIA would work with the national skating body to understand the issues and provide advice and guidance on how to manage complaints, and criminal matters would be forwarded to police.

A former cop himself, Sharpe did confirm that SIA had requested more information from the US Centre for SafeSport after it banned Australia’s triple Olympic figure skater Brendan Kerry for life in the US for sexual misconduct involving a minor.

“However, we have been advised that US legislation prevents the sharing of information surrounding the case,” SIA said.

Sydney ice skater Haylee Lucock. Picture: supplied

“As this matter is subject to appeal, it is inappropriate to comment at this time.”

Kerry has denied any wrongdoing and is fighting the findings, which have no resulted in criminal charges. He has since been stood down from his job coaching kids in Sydney until the appeal is heard.

“That decision is not final, and I intend to challenge this suspension and request arbitration before a neutral arbitrator as is my right,” Kerry said

ISA declined to respond to questions about the intervention of SIA, from which it can seek advice because it has adopted the National Integrity Framework and associated policies.

The allegations that have surfaced since separate news of Kerry’s ban broke last month have been deeply disturbing.

One former national skater described the sport’s alleged dirty secrets as “sick and twisted”.

They include claims of adult grooming, teenage girls being slapped on their backsides and being labelled a “home-wrecking slut” by officials, as well as a male coach sending “dick pics” to underage boys.