Territory Peak Sporting Bodies gathered today to learn more about current sport integrity issues and the application of strategies to combat them at the 2020 Northern Territory Sport Integrity Symposium, held at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre in Darwin.

The symposium is a joint initiative between Territory Families, Housing and Communities, NT Police and AFL NT, aimed at sharing specialist information, evidence-based education, and strengthening cooperative partnerships.

It included presentations from identified subject matter specialists in law enforcement, Australia’s leading sports agencies, and for the first time, Sport Integrity Australia and the National Sports Tribunal.

Threats to sport integrity include illicit drugs, sport supplements, doping, match fixing, illegal betting activity, member protection, safeguarding children and criminal association.

The symposium provided an opportunity for the NT Sport Integrity Network membership to meet, learn and work together to build strategic partnerships.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the NT Sport Integrity Network extended invitations to 40 peak sporting bodies, along with Sport Integrity Australia, the National Sports Tribunal, NT Police, Sports Medicine Australia, Play By The Rules, Alcohol and Drug Foundation, National Association for Child Abuse and Neglect, SAFENT, School Sport NT and the NT Department of Health.

The Northern Territory Government is committed to making sports fair, inclusive, respectful, responsible and safe and provided $220,000 towards addressing threats to sport integrity in the last financial year.

Quotes from Executive Director Heritage, Libraries and Sport, Sasha Dennis

“Education and collaboration is key when it comes to creating safe and inclusive sport environments.

“This symposium is a great opportunity for sport stakeholders to connect and discuss ways in which we can all make sport fair for everyone.

“It is fantastic to see such a vast range of organisations dedicated to upholding integrity in our sport community.

“Our sportsmen and women are held in high regard in the Territory so it is vital that we maintain honour in sport.

“Through ongoing education and awareness, the Northern Territory Government strives to make sports respectful and inclusive for all involved.”

Quotes from Ian Ford, Sport and Active Recreation Senior Director

“The 2020 NT Sport Integrity Symposium is a platform through which specialist subject matter experts will share information around sport integrity issues such as illicit drugs, sport supplements, doping, match fixing, illegal betting activity, member protection, safeguarding children and criminal association.

“It is also an opportunity for Territorians to learn more about Sport Integrity Australia and the National Sports Tribunal, which both commenced in 2020.

“The Northern Territory Government is committed to fostering and supporting the highest standards of conduct, honesty and ethical behaviour in all NT sporting activities, both on and off the playing arena, for the enjoyment of all who participate.”

Quotes from AFLNT CEO Stuart Totham

“We welcome the outcomes from the Symposium because it is important for all sports to unite as one to combat some of the key integrity issues.

“It is critical that leading sports understand all the current issues, particularly in the new COVID-impacted world of sport.  We need to remain vigilant about those key issues and the Symposium is a great way to discuss, share information and raise understanding of these issues.”

Quotes from Northern Territory Commissioner of Police and CEO of Fire and Emergency Services Jamie Chalker APM

“Sport is a way of life in the Northern Territory and provides healthy outcomes for many in our community but we shouldn’t be complacent or think that illegal activity isn’t an issue.

“We work closely with groups such as our anti-doping partners to ensure that illicit substances aren’t prevalent and that criminal elements are unable to encroach into our pastimes.”