Western Australian Institute of Sport confirms Matt Fulton as new Chief Executive

April 5, 2024

The latest changes at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) has seen the appointment of Matt Fulton as Chief Executive.

The appointment of Fulton, who has been acting in the role since October last year, follows a slew of changes at the WAIS following a Sport Integrity Australia report which found that it allowed women in its gymnastics program to be abused over three decades.

Following the report there were mass board resignations while Chief Executive Steve Lawrence stepped down from the position after 22 years in September 2023.

Announcing Fulton’s appointment, WAIS Chair, Dr Neale Fong stated “Matt has shown during his time as acting CEO that he is a talented and dedicated leader willing to take on the many challenges that exist at WAIS and drive our next chapter.

“Matt is committed to providing a healthy workplace for staff and a safe and nurturing environment for athletes to reach their full potential.

“Winning is very important in sport, but it is even more important to win well and take care of the athletes as they pursue their dreams.”

“WAIS enters a new era of ensuring athletes in high-performance sports continue to achieve on the world-stage and inspire our children and communities.”

Fulton said he was honoured to be selected to lead Western Australia’s key high-performance sporting institute, noting “after spending the last six months in the acting position, it is evident that WAIS has an incredibly strong Board, a passionate and dedicated team of staff and an inspirational group of athletes - it is an absolute honour to have been appointed as the permanent CEO of such an amazing organisation as we embark upon a period of transformation”.

“I look forward to WAIS being a source of inspiration to the entire Western Australian community for generations to come, and I feel privileged to be able to play my part in helping athletes realise their sporting dreams.”

Dr Fong said the Board was committed to supporting Fulton to address valid criticisms of the way WAIS had dealt with issues of athlete safety and culture in the past.

Since the new Board was appointed in September 2023, measures implemented by WAIS have included the recruitment of a dedicated Integrity and Safeguarding Manager, adoption of the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework, and commencement of a restorative justice program for ex-gymnasts.

Fulton, was previously Chief Executive peak sporting body, SportWest.

Image: Matt Fulton.Credit: West Australian Institute of Sport.

5th January 2024 - SportWest reveals WA Sport Awards finalists

22nd December 2023 - New Chair for SportWest

14th December 2023 - WAIS announces new Board Directors and adoption of sport integrity framework

18th November 2023 - Western Australian Institute of Sport Governance and culture review looks for input

28th September 2023 - New Chair announced for Western Australian Institute of Sport as governance review gets underway

22nd June 2023 - WAIS provides update on implementation of Sport Integrity Australia report recommendations

8th September 2022 - Priya Cooper among four new appointments announced for Western Australian Institute of Sport Board

22nd April 2022 - WAIS responds to Sport Integrity Australia Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program Report

20th April 2022 - Sport Integrity Australia review finds gymnasts suffered abuse while participating in the WAIS Program

14th February 2022 - Review of gymnastics at the Western Australian Institute of Sport recommends apology to abused athletes

6th May 2021 - WAIS apologises to former gymnasts for past ‘distress or injury’

25th August 2019 - WAIS announces new Athletics Performance Manager appointment

6th July 2016 - Study shows High-Intensity Interval Training can reduce waistlines

24th April 2015 - WAIS high performance centre gets official opening

16th March 2015 - Western Australian Institute of Sport goes for Gold

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