Creating a child-safe culture within Australian businesses is more important than ever. Every child deserves safe business environments so that they can grow and thrive, free from abuse, exploitation, and harm.
On Us Coalition is proud to announce the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) as its newest member, reinforcing our collective commitment in safeguarding children across Australia.
“We are delighted to welcome the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) as a new member of the On Us Coalition,” said Janise Mitchell, CEO of Australian Childhood Foundation.
“Sport plays a pivotal role in the lives of Australian children, and under the leadership of Clint Newton, a longstanding ambassador for the Foundation and a champion for children’s rights, the RLPA has shown a deep commitment to taking action for their safety and wellbeing. Their addition to our On Us Coalition will help spread the important message that we all have a role to play in protecting children and ensuring their safety wherever they are.”
The On Us Coalition is a key initiative of Australian Childhood Foundation, a leading non-profit dedicated to child safeguarding support, advocacy, prevention, and education. With nearly four decades of experience, the Foundation has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children across the nation.
The Coalition plays a vital role in safeguarding children by bringing together key decision makers and influencers from organisations that, while not directly working with children, may have a significant impact on their rights and safety through their products, services, and operations.
The RLPA will use this membership as a conversation starter for the rugby league industry and its unique business setting, so that all stakeholders can begin implementing recommendations provided by the On Us Coalition.
“We believe in creating awareness around the protection of children, given how fundamental grassroots sport is to the game of rugby league, and the strength of our family environments at games and community events,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“Players play a key role in the game, and we believe our membership with the On Us Coalition will help raise our profile as their representative body to further enhance and safeguard children in rugby league. By also putting in place appropriate compliance and protection measures for employees of the Association, we will aim to ensure the ongoing protection of children. These measures will help guide what should be high minimum standards for our industry when it comes to the protection of children.”
The RLPA’s dedication to driving systemic change aligns perfectly with the Coalition’s vision: that children are safe wherever they are.
Clint Newton, CEO of RLPA and former professional rugby league player, delivered a passionate speech when discussing RLPA’s decision to join the Coalition. He emphasised their unwavering commitment to championing children and young people’s safety, and their eagerness to work alongside the Coalition to create meaningful, lasting change.
“RLPA is ready and willing to stand with the Coalition. We look forward with optimism about the change and impact we will achieve by working together to advocate and protect our most vulnerable community members – children,” Clint said.
RLPA’s involvement in the Coalition highlights the power of collaboration in the fight against child abuse and exploitation. As the official representative body for rugby league players, RLPA is uniquely positioned to drive positive change not only within the sporting community but also across broader society.
“This partnership reinforces our collective commitment to protecting and promoting children’s rights across every Australian business. By collaborating with organisations like RLPA, we are working to ensure that businesses proactively prevent harm to children through responsible practices in their products, services, people, marketing, and events. Together, we are creating a safer and more equitable world where every child can thrive,” said Phil Doorgachurn, General Manager of On Us Coalition.
As the newest member of the Coalition, RLPA joins founding members such as Westpac, InterContinental Hotel Group, The GPT Group, TBWA, and TikTok in a united effort to ensure all Australian businesses create safer environments for children.
For more information, visit onus.org.au
If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support regarding family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). To report concerns relating to a child, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
