AOC: Minister for Sport Kate Lundy has welcomed the announcement that three outstanding sports women will soon join the board of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Senator Lundy said it was important that organisations like the AOC lead the cause in addressing the gender imbalance that has been an issue in sport and sporting boards for a long time.

“Women provide the bulk of our Olympic medals, so it is fitting they are better represented on the board of the AOC,” Senator Lundy said.

“This fact has been noted by AOC president John Coates and I applaud John and his fellow board members on seeking to appoint these three outstanding women.

”The AOC today announced former Australian swimmer Nicole Livingstone, three time Olympic kayaker Danielle Woodward and former Modern Pentathlete and Deputy Chef de Mission of the London 2012 Olympics Kitty Chiller will join the AOC board.

“These women have all been elite sporting performers and forged successful careers away from the sporting field,” Senator Lundy said.

“There are many other women who have done the same and I will continue to encourage all sports to recruit the many qualified and determined women to provide strong, strategic leadership for Australian sport.”

Livingstone, Woodward and Chiller will join Helen Brownlee (canoe/kayak) and Kim Crow (rowing) on the 12-person AOC board.

Senator Lundy said the Australian Government was committed to achieving its target of 40 per cent of women sitting on government boards by 2015.

Australian Government Release