Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (13:36): Who made the decision to stop 11-year-old Emily Tuohy from progressing to the next round of her athletics competition? A man from the Victorian Department of Education. Emily’s father appealed to the department. My formal complaint is that children competing in athletic events should be considered to proceed to the next level of competition based on their sporting ability, achievements and sporting merit rather than ideology, especially at primary school level. This man, a director in the department, responded:

Our inclusion guidance allows students aged 11 years and under to participate in competitions where they feel most comfortable.

These guidelines prioritise inclusion on the basis of gender identity rather than fairness and safety, with girls forced to compete against male peers in female competitions. How is this fair? Emily, whose grandmother was an Olympian, has every right to compete against her own sex. How does this encourage girls in sport or inspire the next generation? When ideology trumps natural justice, we are in trouble. Emily, thank you and your father for being with us today. Good luck in your future sporting endeavours – hopefully on a fairer playing field.