Lodging a Complaint
Below are some simple tips to remember when considering lodging a complaint.
- Anyone can make a complaint.
- Complaints enable action to be taken when people do not uphold the integrity standards of our sport. By speaking up, you are protecting others around you.
Please visit the Sport Integrity Australia website for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Reporting an Integrity Issue.
Lodging a Complaint with Sport Integrity Australia
A complaint is eligible to be assessed by Sport Integrity Australia under the independent complaint handling process if it meets the following criteria:
- The alleged conduct meets the definition of Prohibited Conduct under any of the following policies:
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- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Competition Manipulation and Sports Wagering Policy
- Improper Use of Drugs and Medicines Policy
- Member Protection Policy
- National Integrity Framework
- The alleged Prohibited Conduct occurred in sport.
- The alleged Prohibited Conduct occurred after Paddle Australia commenced the National Integrity Framework (1 July 2022).
- The person or organisation accused of wrongdoing is currently bound by Paddle Australia’s policies (that is, they must have agreed to be bound by membership or agreement).
To make a complaint, complete the online form on the Sport Integrity Australia website or telephone 1300 027 232.
Lodging a Complaint with Paddle Australia
The National Integrity Framework does not cover the following matters, which are managed by Paddle Australia and the subject of separate policies available on the Paddle Australia website:
- Reportable Conduct (i.e. Whistleblowing)
- Selection
- Personal Grievances
- Governance
- Code of Behaviour
A Whistleblower wishing to report “Reportable Conduct” under the Paddle Australia Whistleblower Policy and Procedure must do so by notifying an Eligible Recipient. The preferred Eligible Recipient is the Paddle Australia CEO: ceo@paddle.org.au. While any person may be a Whistleblower under this policy, Reportable Conduct is limited to information about Paddle Australia “Workers” (e.g. employees and contractors); this policy does not apply to Paddle Australia members.
The Paddle Australia Conduct and Disciplinary Policy deals with conduct and disciplinary matters arising under policies that do not form part of the National Integrity Framework (e.g. breaches of the Code of Behaviour Policy). To make a complaint, complete the Complaint Form and submit a copy to the Proper Recipient (see clause 3.4). If you are unsure about the Proper Recipient, submit a copy to integrity@paddle.org.au, and the Complaints Manager may seek to refer it to a more appropriate level.
“Personal Grievances” are dealt with under the Paddle Australia Personal Grievances Policy. Personal Grievance means interpersonal conflict or disputes that fall short of the threshold for abuse, bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct under the Paddle Australia Member Protection Policy or do not otherwise engage applicable rules, policies or by-laws. Personal Grievances will generally be handled by management at the level of the sport at which they arise (but may be referred to the next level up if the organisation is a party to the Grievance). An independent person or the National Sports Tribunal may facilitate a resolution, subject to the parties’ agreement.
Selection disputes are dealt with under the applicable selection policy, such as the Paddle Australia Selection Procedures Policy.
All other non-disciplinary matters are dealt with under the Paddle Australia Review and Appeals Policy.
Click here to access the Incident Management Process Flowchart.