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Form of workLegal Member
At Paralympics Australia we have the opportunity to use the power of sport to shift society and inspire a nation. Our vision is to create the most successful era of Paralympic sport in Australia’s history. With a home Games in 2032, there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Paralympic Movement. Paris 2024 provides a platform to advocate for a more inclusive Australia for people with disabilities through sport, education, and improved accessibility. With more eyes on Para sport than ever before it is essential we uphold the highest integrity standards and protect against cheating.
We have an exciting opportunity to involved in the inaugural Intentional Misrepresentation Independent Panel as a Legal Member.
About the Role
Intentional Misrepresentation (IM) has the specific meaning given in the PA Classification Policy as amended or replaced from time to time, but refers in general to an Athlete or Athlete support personnel intentionally misleading, or attempting to mislead an International Federation or NSO or any of their representatives as to any aspect of Para sport classification, whether by act or omission, or to a person who engages in any type of intentional complicity with such an act or omission.
In early 2023 PA took responsibility for the management of national level IM complaints. PA is in the process of setting up an Independent Panel that will assess and determine the outcome of these cases.
The Intentional Misrepresentation Independent Panel (IMIP) shall be an operationally independent body established to determine national-level IM cases in Para sport in Australia. The IMIP shall be independently operated by the Chair and its panel members. The IMIP shall operate under its own procedural rules and is afforded jurisdiction through the PA Classification Standard.
The IMIP shall be made up of experienced Legal Members, who chair hearings, and Specialist Members, who have a background in Para sport and or Classification as either an athlete, classifier, coach, medical professional, scientist, or administrator, and respectfully an investigation expert. The IMIP shall operate independently of PA, NSO/NSODs and other associated organisations. Its role is to ensure that all national level IM cases are dealt with fairly and consistently and in accordance with relevant policies. IMIP hearings will be held throughout Australia, as well as via video conference.
For transparency purposes PA will publish panel members on the PA website, along with publishing a report of each sanctioned case.
About the candidate
The Legal Members role will chair hearings on a rotating basis. You are qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister, Judge or Qualified Arbitrator of at least seven years standing. If appointed as Chair of the Panel you will be responsible for managing the case appointed to you. This means you will have experience in leading others with integrity and in accordance with policy, procedure and rules. You will be skilled at ensuring all parties are to be present their case, for consideration, as fully and as fairly as possible, including, where appropriate, taking the initiative, to ensure that all relevant matters are covered, whether specifically raised by the parties or not. You will have experience in deciding cases by finding facts, applying the relevant Rules to them and giving a reasoned written decision within reasonable timelines. You have recent experience of sitting on sports tribunals, panels or case management groups. You will also have knowledge of best practice in conducting disciplinary proceedings and in particular those of NSO/NSODs. An understanding and appreciation of the unique relationships between participants in sport and sporting organisations is also required.
Terms of Appointment and Remuneration
The position will award a standard sitting fee for preparation, directions, up to one hearing day and decision. Addition fees will be paid for any subsequent hearing days. Appointment will be for a three-year period, after which point all panel members must re-apply for panel membership.
Closing date for applications 28 March 2024
Click apply to submit a copy of your CV and cover letter.
Our commitment
Paralympics Australia is an equal opportunities employer dedicated to fostering diversity and establishing an inclusive workplace for all employees. We welcome applicants with lived experiences and encourage you to reach out if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application and recruitment process.
