1.1        Labor members of the committee consider it regrettable that the matters covered by this inquiry ever reached this stage.

1.2        We understand that many in the rugby community remain unhappy with the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) decision regarding the Western Force and that some in the rugby community hold concerns about the processes leading to that decision.

1.3        However, it is unfortunate that these issues have had to be referred to the Senate for inquiry and were not addressed earlier through other means.

1.4        Labor committee members note the evidence provided to the inquiry by ARU Chairman Mr Cameron Clyne and ARU Chief Executive Officer Mr Bill Pulver, which addressed many of the concerns raised about the removal of the Western Force and the processes around that decision. We also consider that Mr Clyne clearly explained in his testimony to the inquiry why the ARU did not consider reinstating the Western Force to be an option, despite promises that were made by third parties.

1.5        Australia's National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) are not immune to challenges and difficult decisions.

1.6        Labor believes NSOs should be supported to deliver strong, viable, successful elite and professional level competitions along with increased opportunities for grassroots participation for all Australians.

Senator Sam Dastyari                                           Senator Louise Pratt

Senator Murray Watt

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