Scott Morrison slams Cricket Australia's controversial transgender policy - saying he is 'mystified' that it had to be introduced
- Prime minister Scott Morrison attacked Cricket Australia's transgender policy
- He told 2GB's Alan Jones sports organisation had taken out a 'sledgehammer'
- Cricket Australia announced transgender people could compete at highest level
- Australian cricketer Megan Shutt praised the policy and said inclusion mattered
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken out against Cricket Australia and its decision to allow transgender people to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Mr Morrison told 2GB's Alan Jones on Friday that he found the new policy 'mystifying'.
'I think it's pretty heavy-handed to put it pretty mildly,' he said.
'There are far more practical ways to handle these issues than these heavy mandatory ways of doing it, and I'm sure these issues have quite carefully and practically managed at a club level already.'
Prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured, Mr Morrison plays cricket with a local junior team in April) has spoken out against Cricket Australia and its decision to allow transgender people to compete at the highest level of the sport
In a promotional video announcing the change, transgender cricketer Erica James (pictured) the policy as a step in the right direction for inclusion
Cricket Australia announced on Thursday that players would be able to compete at a grassroots and elite level based on their gender identity, rather than the sex they are born with.
In a promotional video announcing the change, transgender cricketer Erica James lauded the policy as a step in the right direction for inclusion.
'The moment I realised I could play in a team of women like me I was so surprised and so happy,' she says in the video.
'Because of these guidelines gender diverse people can play a sport that we love without feeling like we're an imposter.'
Though an unimpressed Mr Morrison appears to have taken his own hammer to the new policy.
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'Why there's a necessity to get the sledgehammer out on this is mystifying me, but I think we need to get the issue in perspective and ensure we manage it calmly.'
Though when pressed as to whether or not he would intervene, Mr Morrison said he had other matters to focus on.
'To be honest Alan, making sure people are in a job and mental health challenges — all these things are things I’m focusing on at COAG today, not this issue.'
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts spoke more on the policy when it was announced at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
He noted transgender and gender diverse players will be subject to certain criteria before they can compete.
Transgender cricketer Erica James speaks to media following the policy announcement on Thursday
Those looking to compete in the female-elite category must demonstrate a concentration of testosterone in serum less than 10 nanomoles per litre continuously for 12 months or more.
'Discrimination of any sort has no place in the game,' Roberts said.
'Our dedication to a fair and inclusive sport across international and domestic competitions sees the policy strike a balance between the opportunity to participate and ensuring fair competition.'
He says the policy will align closely with the International Cricket Council's Eligibility on the Basis of Gender Recognition, while a referral process to an expert panel had been established to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
Roberts adds guidelines for grassroots level cricket will assist clubs, players, administrators, coaches and other volunteers deliver a 'safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, free of harassment and discrimination for gender diverse players.'
Australian cricketer Megan Schutt welcomed the policy announcement and said inclusion mattered 'in every sense.'
'Now that we know that anyone who is transgender or gender diverse has a chance to play cricket at the highest level - and rightfully so - I'm confident that the elite cricket policy will provide a fair process for transgender and gender diverse cricketers to embark on that pathway,' she said.
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts (pictured) noted transgender and gender diverse players will be subject to certain criteria before they can compete
Australian cricketer Megan Schutt (pictured, right) welcomed the policy announcement and said inclusion mattered 'in every sense'
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