townsville basketball statement on child protection

Townsville Basketball is aware of a referee who was abused as a child by a former referee supervisor at Townsville Basketball in 2002 and has called for Townsville Basketball to join the National Redress Scheme.  The National Redress Scheme was established to provide redress to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse in response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

We are not aware of any formal application for redress having been made under the National Redress Scheme related to Townsville Basketball. We have sought advice on the National Redress Scheme and are investing in the necessary resources which includes having made contact with the National Redress Scheme to ensure full consideration of participation. We are also working with Basketball Queensland and Basketball Australia to have guidance on this.

We would like to make it clear that any form of abuse within the sport is unacceptable and that we are committed to providing a safe environment for all members including children and support for anyone impacted by sexual misconduct while under our care.

Our adopted and published Member Protection Policy and Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy abides by all regulatory requirements to ensure member safety and we will always assist our member clubs and participants in dealing with such matters if we are made aware of them.  We encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to come forward and report the matter directly to Townsville Basketball. This can be done by contacting the General Manager of Townsville Basketball Mark Wrobel either on 4778 3400 or mark@townsvillebasketball.com