After commissioning an independent panel report in June 2021 to investigate the experiences of women and girls within swimming following claims of abuse and misconduct, Swimming Australia has revealed the findings of the report.

The report, which was recently presented to the Swimming Australia board after a six month process involving more than 150 participants, found Swimming Australia must address the coaching gender imbalance, coaching culture, education and accreditation, governance structures, and the complaints process.

The report, in total, provided 46 recommendations for Swimming Australia, leading to Swimming Australia forming an Implementation Steering Group to address each recommendation from late January.

Independent review panel member, Chris Ronalds, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who came forward with their submissions and gave us their time to talk through their experiences.”

“We acknowledge their courage for agreeing to talk with us.

“We’re very encouraged after our conversation with Swimming Australia that they are committed to taking these steps towards creating positive change.

“We acknowledge the Swimming Australia board and their openness in listening to our findings and creating accountability around the implementation of the recommendations to ensure the sport and all participants are in the best place moving forward,” Ronalds said.

Swimming Australia president, Kieren Perkins, said the organisation will remain committed to providing genuine change, with the organisation issuing an apology to members of the swimming community who have had a negative experience.

“The Swimming Australia board acknowledges the ultimate collective responsibility and commitment in addressing these recommendations rests with the board and the executive team in delivering and committing to meaningful and enduring change, being transparent and regaining and earning the trust of our athletes and our entire community,” Perkins said.

“The board is committed to leading the organisation through this process of positive cultural change.

“They look forward to driving long term change alongside the community including the athlete cohort, participants, parents, member organisations, stakeholders, coaches and staff,” he said.

The report was originally launched following claims of a ‘misogynistic culture’ from swimming star, Maddie Groves.

Elsewhere, Swimming Australia has returned a reported profit of $1.3 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2021.

Despite the profit, the organisation was reported to have seen a $2.6 million drop in sponsorship revenue, with a total year-on-year revenue drop of $1 million also reported.