Federal Government announces appointment of National Sports Tribunal Chief Executive

March 4, 2020

The Federal Government has appointed leading sport administrator and Court of Arbitration of Sport judge John Boultbee as Chief Executive of Australia’s new National Sports Tribunal.

A highly experienced figure in the Australian and international sporting community, particularly for his involvement in rowing and football, Boultbee is former Director of the Australian Institute of Sport.

Announcing the appointment, Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck noted that Boultbee’s new role marked a significant milestone in delivering on the Australian Government’s commitment to support and protect Australian sports and athletes following the review led by the Hon James Wood QC and brings genuine weight to the tribunal in its establishment.

Senator Colbeck advised “the National Sports Tribunal, established under our national sports plan Sport 2030, will ensure sports and sports participants have access to transparent, independent, timely and cost-effective dispute resolution services, including through private arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and case appraisal.

“The Tribunal will begin operations on 19th March, and I am delighted a person of John’s calibre will be leading this important body.”

A new legal body that will hear and resolve sports-related disputes in Australia, the National Sports Tribunal will initially be established as a two-year trial to develop capability against demand, and refine operations and services.

Senator Colbeck also noted “John will oversee the delivery of reliable, high quality arbitral decisions and other dispute resolution services.

“The Government looks forward to working closely with him to ensure Australian sport is clean, fair and inclusive – which is what all Australians want.”

Stating that he was delighted to be taking on the new role, Boultbee commented “by doing our job well, the National Sports Tribunal will be a great asset to sports organisations and athletes in this country.

“I look forward to working with the government and consulting with the sports to ensure that is the case. Currently the legislation provides for the Tribunal to be reviewed after two years, so there is a great deal to do before that deadline.”

For more information see the National Sports Tribunal website.

Image: John Boultbee. Courtesy of FanPlus.

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