The FIA-led initiative United Against Online Abuse has confirmed that the Australian Government and Motorsport Australia has now signed the UAOA charter. 

By signing the charter, the Government expresses their commitment to upholding and promoting best practice in relation to the prevention and removal of hate speech, and to supporting dialogue, research and collaboration around the subject.

The Australian Government has already carried out significant work in this space. In recent years, it passed an Online Safety Act (2021), researched and consulted on safety measures on online platforms, and created new online safety resources for sport in collaboration with the eSafety Commission. 

The Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, signed the document during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“We are delighted to sign the United Against Online Abuse charter, and join the coalition in their efforts to tackle online harassment," Minister Wells said.

"By working together, we hope to eradicate this problem and build a healthier, more positive and more sustainable future for everyone who works in sport.”

FIA President and United Against Online Abuse Founding patron Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed Australia's pledge.

“We are pleased that the Australian Government has joined us in the fight against Online Abuse in sport. Their support will help us to broaden the Campaign’s reach, impact and knowledge-base, accelerating our journey towards zero-abuse in sport," Sulayem said.

The Australian Government joins a strong coalition of stakeholders, which includes Peace and Sport, the International Esports Federation, the French Government, the Albanian Government and the Greek Government.

In 2024, the coalition has made significant strides forward, awarding four scholarships to researchers in the online abuse space, publishing the industry’s first barometer aimed at measuring federations’ perspectives on online abuse.

Coalition members and peers will unite in May to discuss the UAOA Campaign at its inaugural conference.

For more information about the United Against Online Abuse campaign please visit www.unitedagainstonlineabuse.com