Fair Access Policy

Tennis Girls

Hume’s Fair Access Policy (Policy) and Action Plan (Action Plan) was adopted by Council at the Council Meeting on Monday 9 December 2024

The Policy and Action Plan have been developed in response to the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, released by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation which mandated all Victorian Local Governments to develop their own Fair Access Policy or implement fair access principles into existing policy to be eligible for future Victorian Government sports grant funding. 

They are both aligned to Gender Equity Act 2020 and Victorian Government’s Fair Access Roadmap. 

What is Hume’s Fair Access Policy?

The Policy seeks to address known barriers experienced by women, girls and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports infrastructure and to enhance participation in sport and recreation and increase their engagement and representation in leadership and governance roles.

 

What is Hume’s Fair Access Action Plan?

The Action Plan will implement the objectives and principles outlined in the Policy with Hume Sports clubs, associations and partners. The Plan will initially be delivered over a three-year period with annual outcome reviews.

 

Fair Access Roadmap

The Fair Access Roadmap aims to develop a state-wide foundation for gender equitable access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure for women and girls, to support participation in community sport and active recreation across Victoria.

Learn more about the Change Our Game - Fair Access Policy Roadmap or view the video below:

Contact

Do you have questions or want to learn more about the Fair Access Policy?

Name: Luke Maguire, Coordinator Sport & Recreation

Phone: (03) 9205 2200

Email: leisure@hume.vic.gov.au

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hume’s Fair Access Policy?

 The Policy seeks to address known barriers experienced by women, girls and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports infrastructure and to enhance participation in sport and recreation and increase their engagement and representation in leadership and governance roles.

 What is Hume’s Fair Access Action Plan?

The Action Plan will implement the objectives and principles outlined in the Policy with Hume Sports clubs, associations and partners. The Plan will initially be delivered over a three-year period with annual outcome reviews.

What is the connection between Gender Equality Act 2020 and the Fair Access Policy Roadmap?

 The Policy is aligned to both the Gender Equality Act 2020 and the Fair Access Policy Roadmap. Gender Equality Act 2020, where Local Governments are required to undertake Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) on all new policies, programs, communications, and services, including those up for review, that directly and significantly impact the public. The Victorian State Government’s Fair Access Roadmap requires community sporting facilities being available to everyone, so everyone can participate and reach their full potential.

 How is Hume City addressing the Fair Access Roadmap

 Hume City Council will be embedding key principles that govern decision-making on Fair Access in a standalone Fair Access Policy and will be read in conjunction with all other relevant Council polices in relation to community sports infrastructure and allocation. These principles are guided by the Victorian Government’s six Fair Access Principles of inclusivity, full participation, equal representation, encouraging and supporting user groups, and prioritising user groups committed to equality.

Why do we need Fair Access?

Fair Access is essential because sport and recreational activities play a crucial role in enriching our communities, and it's vital that these opportunities are accessible to everyone equally. Currently, this is not always the case, and we need to address this disparity. Establishing a dedicated Fair Access Policy, aligned with other relevant Council policies, will be a significant step towards fostering procedural and cultural change. This will help ensure that the full benefits of sport and recreation are available to all individuals, particularly women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Is the Fair Access project unique to Hume City Council?

No. Councils across Victoria will be developing Fair Access policies, embedding principles in existing sporting allocation policies, and forming action plans to facilitate change.