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Sarah Benson has taken on the role of chief executive of Sport Integrity Australia, marking a significant step in her career as a forensic scientist. Her extensive background includes crucial involvement in federal responses to major incidents such as the Bali bombings, the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine, and the volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island.
Benson’s transition into this high-profile position was complicated by her immediate entry into intense debates surrounding the use of illicit substances in sports. This was particularly highlighted as the Australian Football League (AFL) and its players were in the process of updating the contentious “three-strike” drug policy.
A recent audit report from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) revealed that the AFL had forwarded a list of 51 players to Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) for targeted drug testing, sparking controversy and friction with the AFL Players’ Association. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon was quick to deny any infringement on player privacy.
This incident heightened suspicions among players regarding the integrity of the drug-testing process and stalled negotiations related to the new policy. However, Benson, now two weeks into her role and having acted in the CEO capacity for several months prior, assured that there was nothing irregular about the player list submitted by the AFL.
“It’s standard practice for us to collaborate with various sports, and they may provide us with player lists especially when they have their own integrity units,” she explained.
The audit further determined that SIA’s management of the National Anti-Doping Scheme was only partially effective, cautioning against a potential “regulatory capture” scenario influenced by commercial sports interests.
Benson expressed support for the audit process, describing it as part of a larger commitment to continuous improvement within her organization, which was established in 2020 from a merger of various governmental and sporting bodies focused on integrity. She firmly stated that allegations of SIA lacking independence were unfounded.
“While there are concerns about our independence as a regulator, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards clearly stipulate that testing must be planned and executed based on the risk factors associated with doping,” Benson highlighted.
The SIA operates on a unique “user pays” model with professional sports, crafting testing plans in partnership with sports officials and charging fees for the testing services provided.
The organization has conducted 316 tests on AFL players in 2023 and 2024, contrasted with 333 tests within soccer and 718 within the National Rugby League (NRL). However, the audit flagged shortcomings in testing protocols for both Australian rules football and rugby league, particularly regarding the limited testing conducted during off-seasons.
“In light of the audit’s recommendations, we will engage in discussions with sports to reassess testing numbers, ensuring they align with the associated risks. This will be a focus for us moving forward,” she noted.
This ANAO report represents the first major challenge for Benson as she leads SIA, but her familiarity with the sports sector predates her appointment to the agency in 2023.
“I initially joined the Australian Federal Police (AFP) because of the Sydney 2000 Olympics; I was not the first choice for the position,” she recounted. Benson’s journey began in 1999, tasked with creating a national security protocol focused on explosives for the Olympic Games.
With over two decades in the AFP, eventually serving as the chief forensic scientist, she was pivotal in key responses to several tragic international incidents impacting Australians, including the events surrounding the White Island eruption in 2019. She reflected on the personal connections forged during such sensitive times, recalling how a family member of a deceased individual expressed gratitude for the timely return of their loved one’s remains.
“This experience underscores that our work’s impact extends beyond the individual; we must strive for both speed and accuracy. I believe those principles are equally relevant in the field of sports integrity,” Benson emphasized.
As of 2024, SIA has overseen over 250 complaints related to child safeguarding and discrimination across more than 50 sports. Since February 2025, every complaint investigated has centered on child safeguarding issues.
Benson noted significant strides have been taken to better protect children in sports environments, including the establishment of 32 integrity managers. However, she acknowledged that the safeguarding framework is still evolving. “While we have made progress, there is more work to be done to ensure a secure environment for children in sports,” she concluded.
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