Future Direction of Outdoor Pursuits in WA - Australian Sports ...

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4. Strategies and Recommendations
The outdoor pursuits stakeholders support a move towards the preferred position of responsible
self-regulation, alongside careful monitoring and ongoing support by government.
Had there been large-scale evidence of abuse, renegade operators or sloppy standards, the
conclusion may well have been different; however, there is no evidence of this in WA’s outdoor
pursuits. Rather, the WA environment is one where responsible operators have to date worked
well together and with land managers in their efforts to provide a sustainable base for growth
and development of outdoor pursuits opportunities.
Outdoor pursuits stakeholders support progression of a self-regulated approach involving the
nurturing of partnerships, education and quality improvement, rather than through legislation.
Self-regulation would include the following principles and elements:
• genuine co-operation and collaboration between the various stakeholder groups;
• a sector reference group, with representation from major stakeholder groups to monitor
planning, progress and education forums;
• strengthening of peak industry groups, to provide policy development and advocacy;
• peak bodies to work with outdoors service providers;
• adoption of national industry education/training and other accreditation developments;
• adoption of quality improvement models; and
• appropriate funding and resourcing to achieve the above.
The following strategies have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders:
Strategy 1 – Adoption of Risk Management Policies and Procedures
“Successful risk management plans are likely to result in fewer injuries. They also lead to
decreased claims against insurance policies, hence more affordable premiums” 22 This rapidly
changing insurance environment is one of the major factors driving the need for outdoor pursuits
organisations to adopt formal risk management policies and plans.
RECOMMENDATION 1
That all outdoor pursuit providers adopt formal risk management policies and plans, in
accordance with Standards Australia’s ‘National Risk Management Guidelines for Sport’ with
reference to the Australian Standard on Risk Management AS/NZS 4360/1999, and Tort law
reforms 23 currently being finalised by the Western Australian Government.
Child protection and anti-harassment are very real issues for the sport and recreation industry
in our current safety conscious environment. The Department of Sport and Recreation has led
considerable awareness raising, education and policy development in recent years, and outdoor
service providers need to up-skill themselves on principles and practices on both issues.
RECOMMENDATION 2
That the Department of Sport and Recreation extend its child protection and harassment
education programs to reach outdoor recreation practitioners.
22 ‘Review of Australian Sports Insurance, ‘Rigby Cook Lawyers; Summary of a report prepared for the Sport and Recreation
Minister’s Council, March 2002, Standing Committee on Sport and Recreation (SCORS).
23 Tort Law Reforms refers to the ‘Volunteer Protection Bill 2002’, the ‘Civil Liability Bill 2002’ and the ‘Insurance
Commission of WA Amendment Bill 2002’ that have been introduced into Parliament in 2002.
Future Direction of Outdoor Pursuits in WA