The Independent Swimming Review panel is pleased to present its final report to the boards of the Australian Sports Commission and Swimming Australia Limited (SAL).

I would like to thank the hard work and dedication of my fellow panel members Mr Kieren Perkins OAM, Ms Petria Thomas OAM and Mr Matt Favier.

The sport of swimming holds a very special place in Australia’s sporting landscape and this was reflected in the wide range of views expressed to the panel by a range of stakeholders including coaches, athletes, members, board members, staff and commercial partners. I thank all participants in the review for their contribution and clear desire to see Australian swimming again be a world leader.

The review panel examined all aspects of swimming’s Olympic and Paralympic high performance programs and the governance and administrative practices that underpin them. This included matters such as changes in world swimming, relevant competitor country analysis, talent identification and development programs, competition structures, coaching support and team culture.

I note that since the instigation of the review, Swimming Australia has already embarked upon a considerable reform process. The review provides guidance to Swimming Australia on the areas requiring significant attention to be a world class sporting organisation and deliver international success through its talented athletes, coaches and support staff.

The panel notes that key themes within governance, leadership, strategic planning, accountability and stakeholder relations emerged during the review and these themes should be viewed by the SAL Board as priorities for deliberation.

I commend the final report of the Independent Swimming Review to both boards for their consideration.