Golf Vic Vol 60 No 2 2019

The release in March of Guidelines for the Promotion of Equal Opportunity for Women and Girls in Golf by the Australian Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with Golf Australia, provided a clear framework for clubs to follow to ensure they meet criteria for equal opportunity in accordance with the Sex Discrimination Act of 1984. The document adds to the Equal Opportunity in Golf guide produced last year by Golf Victoria and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Victorian clubs must comply with both the federal act and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act of 1975. Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner at the AHRC, said, “In many cases state and territory anti- discrimination laws are structured in a similar manner to the federal Sex Discrimination Act and put in place similar prohibitions. However, slightly different wording and definitions, case law and procedures mean that the law may evolve differently in each jurisdiction. “Where golf clubs are concerned about how the anti-discrimination legislation of a state or territory may apply to them, their first stop should be the resources of the relevant state/territory human rights or equal opportunity commission.” One of the issues for women in golf clubs has been a sense of intimidation. At only 20% representation in the golfing population, it’s not hard to see why. And sometimes it’s not supported by fellow women. Said Jenkins: “As we have seen in other parts of public life, an unwelcoming or intimidating environment can be a significant barrier to women, or those experiencing discrimination, from speaking up. This in turn can lead to the continuation of discrimination. "We hope the Guidelines will help golf clubs revisit their policies and practice to ensure compliance with the Act so that clubs can make sure they are welcoming of all people in our community, particularly women and girls.” In a landmark ruling in December 2018, Barbara Barnett, a full member at Royal Queensland Golf Club, was successful in her discrimination claim against that club. The AHRC Guidelines provide practical guidance on how golf clubs can promote equal opportunity for women and girls and avoid potential legal challenge. These include: • 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. “Leadership and representation are key to women feeling welcome,” said Jenkins. “Firstly, the current leadership in golf clubs – boards, management committees and executives, who are mostly men – have a responsibility to identify and address issues of sex discrimination and exclusion. “Secondly, women need to be represented within the leadership. Golf clubs that have no, or few, women in leadership roles should take steps to ensure that women are represented.” Stephen Pitt, CEO of Golf Australia, strongly encouraged all clubs to follow the guidance of the AHRC. “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.” Chyloe Kurdas, Female Engagement Senior Manager at Golf Australia, said: “I think with these guidelines, the influence will be around just giving a voice to some of the grievances that some people in golf clubs might encounter. “What we are starting to see with Vision 2025 is that some clubs are starting to appoint a dedicated officer or board member who has responsibility in this area or who leads a Vision 2025 working party. “And with the Even Par program and the roadshow, we provide clubs with a suggested process that they can implement.” EQUAL OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Chyloe Kurdas, Kate Jenkins and Stephen Pitt at the Equal Opportunity launch at Mt Derrimut Golf Club. Golf Victoria 27

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