SASI Hockey Program

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing questions to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing regarding SASI's hockey program.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: It was reported in the media on the weekend that SASI's hockey program has been 'restructured amidst allegations of harassment and concerns about the culture within the organisation'. An anonymous source detailed allegations of bullying among SASI hockey players, as well as the mismanagement of the players by its leadership. The source also claimed players were not reprimanded when they were being disrespectful and that athletes were attending or leaving training in tears, with one player's car having an insulting slur written across it.

The source also alleged the needs of players were not properly accommodated, with one player apparently leaving as they almost needed surgery on their hip due to being pressured to play with stress fractures. According to SASI documents, the program did have up to five coaches in 2023, but is now managed by one part-time coach, with elite players being forced to train individually rather than in a team environment. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing confirmed in September last year that it was investigating a complaint. It is understood the department completed its investigation and determined that none of the allegations could be substantiated, and therefore no further action was taken. So my questions to the minister are:

1. Will the minister provide details about her department's methods and the findings of its investigation into the allegations of bullying and mismanagement within SASI's hockey program? If not, why not?

2. Can the minister categorically confirm that the restructure of SASI's hockey program had nothing to do with any of the complaints made against its leadership? If so, what then was the catalyst for this change?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:19): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am advised that the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) has supported over 1,400 hockey athletes through sports scholarships since 1982.

I am advised that all sports programs at SASI are reviewed at the end of each Olympic-Paralympic cycle. I understand that SASI and Hockey Australia met with athletes and parents on 15 April 2025 to outline their respective commitments for the LA 2028 Olympics cycle. I am also advised that there is a finalised agreement between SASI and Hockey Australia, with clear roles within the high-performance pathway to ensure that talented South Australian hockey players receive the support they require. I am further advised that SASI also provides these hockey athletes with access to other services, including health care, sports science and world-class strength and conditioning gym and recovery facilities.

As you have highlighted in your question, there were media reports recently. The department has confirmed through those reports, and I can confirm in this chamber, that an investigation into the claims has been completed and has implemented additional training sessions for staff and players. As has already been reported in the media, the department found that the allegations could not be substantiated and therefore no further action has been taken.