In line with a commitment to progressing an equitable, inclusive and safe environment for all involved in the game, the AFL and AFLPA have jointly established the Equality, Inclusion and Safety (EIS) Advisory Committee.
An outcome of the 2023 – 2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the new initiative provides a forum for constructive discussion and collaboration among industry leaders regarding issues related to equality, inclusion and safety and their impact on current and former AFL and AFLW players.
The EIS Committee recently held its first meeting, guided by the expertise of independent chair Dr Helen Szoke AO, and input from the AFL, AFLPA, players and club representatives.
The Committee will meet on a quarterly basis.
The AFL and AFLPA have identified three priority focus groups for the EIS Committee in its first year:
- LGBTIQA+ AFL and AFLW players
- First Nations AFL and AFLW players
- Culturally diverse AFL and AFLW players
The Committee provides an opportunity to engage with players to understand their experiences, particularly regarding the risk of discrimination towards LGBTIQA+, First Nations and culturally diverse players.
The Committee will provide guidance back to the AFL, AFLPA and clubs, allowing the industry to proactively consider improvements to current environments, policies and processes currently in place.
Equality, Inclusion and Safety Advisory Committee
Dr Helen Szoke AO - EIS Committee Chair
Tom Harley - AFL Chief Operating Officer
Taryn Lee - AFL GM First Nations Engagement and Inclusion
Brendan Schwab AM - AFLPA Special Counsel
Rana Hussain - AFLPA Human Rights Steering Committee
Matthew Richardson - CEO, Port Adelaide Football Club
Ashley Klein - CEO, Hawthorn Football Club
Gabrielle Seymour - AFLW Player, Richmond Football Club
Alex Pearce - AFL Player, Fremantle Football Club
Lauren Handreck - EIS Committee Secretary (AFL)
AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon said:
“Our game has come so far, particularly across the past decade but there remains significant work to be done.
“In terms of industry collaboration, the EIS Committee is the first of its kind. At its core, its establishment will drive discussion and the sharing of experiences in order to make our game more inclusive and safe for our players.
“Whether it be within clubs, on match days, within online environments, or post-career, every player has the right to feel safe.”
AFLPA CEO James Gallagher said:
“Our game depends on its people, and we have the opportunity to improve the football environment for everyone involved.
“The industry must collaborate proactively to address the experiences in our game, and provide meaningful solutions that progress the equality, inclusion and safety of AFLW and AFL players.
“This committee will address issues the players care deeply about. We look forward to the direction it can provide to everyone across the elite level of our game."
The Committee will not deal with specific matters regarding disciplinary conduct, including breaches of AFL and AFLW Rules.
