In this episode of On Side, we learn more about Dr Sarah Benson PSM, the new CEO of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA). Taking the reins in March this year, and in the fifth year of SIA operations, Dr Benson discusses how far the agency has come and priorities for the years ahead to protect sport against current and emerging threats.

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While the sport supplement market might be thriving, the use of supplements can destroy an athlete’s career. 

Supplement manufacturers often use omissions or alternative names to lure buyers in and create the illusion of a clean substance. When in fact many contain substances that are prohibited in sport. 

A recent research collaboration between Sport Integrity Australia and Human and Supplement Testing Australia (HASTA) found that of 200 supplement products tested, 35 per cent contained one or more WADA Prohibited Substances. 

In addition to this, 57 per cent of the products that tested positive did not list the prohibited ingredients on their packaging or website. 

In this episode our host Tim Gavel speaks to a panel of guests about the research results, risks around use of supplements and how this can lead to unintentional doping.

To contribute to the survey, please visit this link Call for Contributions on Unintentional Doping Survey

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In this episode of On Side we’re joined by one of Australia's greatest sporting legends, Lauren Jackson – a five-time Olympian, WNBL and WNBA champion, and global icon in basketball.

Lauren has not only dominated on the court but continues to make a lasting impact off the court. We talk with Lauren about her journey from the grassroots through elite sport, the barriers and inequities women and girls still face in sport, and how she’s using her platform to lead change, inspire the next generation, and drive equity in sport.

LJ also speaks frankly about her experiences in the anti-doping space and the need for sport to remain clean and fair.

*Any mention of corporate sponsorships in this episode of On Side does not constitute an endorsement by Sport Integrity Australia. 

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Our Athlete Advisory Group (AAG) plays a vital role informing the strategic direction and shaping education strategies of the agency. Through their collective lived experience, they provide insights into the pressures and influences that can threaten the integrity of sport, and how we can better assist athletes to be clean, safe and fair in sport. 

Marathon runner Cassie Fien was a member of our AAG for more than four years. With her final term recently coming to an end, we had a chat with Cassie about her role on the AAG, in particular, the lived experience she was able to share as a sanctioned athlete.

Hear more of Cassie’s unique and valuable insights in this episode of On Side.

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How do we stop or curb the use of Performance and Image Enhancing drugs in sport?

In the fight to keep sport clean, safe and fair, shutting down illicit drug production and distribution has become a task that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pushing national anti-doping agencies and law enforcement to collaborate to prevent and respond to integrity threats in sport.

WADA has expanded its Intelligence and Investigations Capability and Capacity Building Project, into Asia and Oceania, following the success of a similar program in Europe.

The first of six workshops was held in Australia this month, with representatives from 10 countries in attendance.

With the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games touted as the Pacific Games, we speak with Chair of the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Dr Lawrence Teariki Puni, along with WADA Investigator, John McLaughlin, about the importance of collaboration in combatting drugs in sport.

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Guest: Dr Gemma Payne (Assistant Director, Science & Medicine)

Today (11 February) is International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

It’s a time for the team at Sport Integrity Australia to reflect on the important work of women in this field.

This year’s theme is: Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science and is the 10th anniversary of the event – 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science | UNESCO.

The gender composition of our Science and Medicine team at Sport Integrity Australia is 90% women. In addition to this, membership of the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee, established under the Sport Integrity Australia Act, is 70% female.

Our Science and Medicine team work hard to understand the science of doping and the analytical procedures used to test samples. Being at the forefront of wider developments in forensic science is an essential part of the team’s role in deterring, disrupting and detecting doping in sport.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we speak with our Assistant Director of Science and Medicine, Dr Gemma Payne. Gemma completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours (in Forensic Science) at university, followed by a PhD. Our host Tim Gavel speaks with Gemma about her role at Sport Integrity Australia, the importance of forensics in the intelligence process at the agency and the fresh approach women bring to the field of science.

Find out more on our website: https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/

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Investing in integrity is crucial for the long-term sustainability of sport, but sadly it’s not the subject everyone in sport ‘wants’ to discuss.

With more than 90 National Sporting Organisations, National Sporting Organisations for people with Disability and Sport Administration Bodies adopting the National Integrity Framework or working towards the Integrity Policy Standards, sports are looking for new and innovative ways to highlight the importance of integrity in sport within their membership.

In November (2024), Swimming Australia launched its inaugural National Integrity Month, using the acronym FISH to spread awareness about its values – Fairness, Integrity, Safety, Happiness.

It’s an event the organisation will now hold annually to boost the profile of integrity and the role we all play in protecting sport. Some of the messaging is as simple as providing clubs with information and advice on appropriate photo use of young swimmers.

In this episode of On Side, we chat with Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Manager, Lydia Dowse, and Complaints and Compliance Manager, Scott Elliott, to find out more about how they prioritise integrity for the safety of members and the long-term sustainability of their sport.

Guests: Swimming Australia's Integrity Manager Lydia Scott and Swimming Australia's Complaints and Compliance Manager Scott Elliott

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This month the team at Sport Integrity Australia bid farewell to our Deputy CEO of Strategy and International Engagement Darren Mullaly as he packs up a rich history in Australian sport taking on the role of Government Relations Director at the World Anti-Doping Agency. Darren has much to celebrate after an 18-year career protecting the integrity of sport in Australia.

With a background in law and accounting, Darren joined the former Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) in 2006 taking on a role in Legal Services. In 2020, with the creation of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) Darren became Deputy CEO of Strategy and International Engagement.

Darren has an impressive CV, including leading SIA’s strategic policy units and international engagement, representing the Australian Minister for Sport and Australian Government at key international sport integrity meetings, and being the Minister for Sport’s Registered Deputy at WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings. 

Our Media Advisor, Tim Gavel, sat down with Darren before his departure to reflect on his career at SIA and chat about the new opportunities ahead with WADA.

Vodcast available via Sport Integrity Australia YouTube channel.

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This episode of our podcast On Side talks to champion cyclist Anna Meares, Australia’s new Chef de Mission for the Paris Olympic Games, and Sport Integrity Australia’s Advisory Council Chair Sarah Kenny. 

They discuss the importance of embedding integrity in sport, how to create a safe environment for athletes to perform in and their roles in influencing the sporting landscape.

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This episode of our podcast On Side talks to Play the Aussie Way campaign ambassadors, NBL legend Cal Bruton, Ellie Cole, Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian, and young soccer player Harry about the culture shift they hope to lead.

While Playing the Aussie Way means something slightly different to each of them, there are common themes – respect, inclusion, fun and trying your best.

Sixteen-year-old Harry says his enjoyment of sport changed when he took the result out of the equation.

“Last year was the first year I tried just playing for fun and I really felt more connected to the sport and felt more like I wanted to play each week and like I wanted to go to training,” he says. “So I think that's the better way to approach the game.”

Basketball coaches are renowned for histrionics, with Cal even admitting he was at the wrong end of the whistle once. The NBL Hall of Famer, who still has to deal with racism in sport, says “it's always the challenge”.

“I try to live my life to be the best possible person I can be and be a mentor and a leader for all young disadvantaged youth that are looking for an opportunity to be on the right track and grow and sport is a just a tremendous vehicle for that.”

And, while there are still challenges when it comes to racism and discrimination, sport has come a long way.

Ellie says this really hit her at the Tokyo closing ceremony.

“I was wrapping up my entire 17-year Paralympic career and I was surrounded by people who have chosen to be the best version of themselves despite what has happened to them,” she says. “That's exactly what Play the Aussie Way is about. It's about everyone having access to an opportunity like what I had.”

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