South West Coast Labor candidate Roy Reekie said councils and sports clubs could apply for grants of up to $100,000 on a matched-funding basis under the ALP plan. The clubrooms cash would be distributed through a bidding process.

“Women and girls who play sport deserve decent facilities and that’s why Labor will help local clubs with an upgrade,” Mr Reekie said.

“Clubs and teams want assistance, Denis Napthine has done nothing on this, but Labor has listened. This is about equity and fairness, and a fair go for women at every level of competition and in all sports.” 

Mr Reekie said female change rooms have been an after-thought at sports clubs statewide for too long. He said many women’s teams are forced to use male change rooms, car parks, secluded areas and toilets at grounds. 

“It’s unfair, it’s an unnecessary hurdle that can discourage women and girls from being active in sport,” he said. “(This is) at a time when in the south-west, women are showing a real desire and intent to get more involved in local sport. It holds our clubs back.”