Former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins AO has been appointed as chair of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), replacing Josephine Sukkar.

The five-year appointment was announced by the Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, who said Ms Jenkins was an accomplished leader with 30 years’ experience spanning human rights, discrimination, the law and sport.

She said Ms Jenkins had led key sport reforms, including the independent review of gymnastics in Australia, while also serving on the board of AFL club Carlton and chairing the grassroots sport Play by the Rules.

Ms Jenkins also has experience as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, employment law partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, and chair of the Creative Workplaces Council. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to human rights governance, advancing gender equity, the promotion of inclusivity, and the law.

Minister Wells also announced the appointment of Olympic and Paralympic medallists Nicholas Green OAM and Dr Bridie Kean as board members for three-year terms.

Mr Green is a dual Olympic gold medallist and senior executive with experience working in large global corporations, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. He has held roles as CEO of Cycling Australia, director of the Australian Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Australia, president of the Victorian Olympic Council, and Chef de Mission of the 2012 Australian Olympic team.

Dr Kean is a dual Paralympic medallist and a lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She served as the Paralympic athletes’ representative during the Brisbane 2032 bid process and has been appointed Deputy Chef de Mission of the 2024 Australian Paralympic team.

Minister Wells said the appointments would help address a critical period for Australian sport in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and during preparations for Brisbane 2032.

“Kate Jenkins is an outstanding administrator who has improved systems and sectors throughout a decorated career that includes significant reforms in sport,” she said, adding that her background in human rights and as Sex Discrimination Commissioner “will be invaluable for the sporting community”.

“I very much look forward to working with Kate, Nick, Bridie and the whole ASC board as they support the sector. I also thank outgoing chairperson Ms Josephine Sukkar AM for her leadership of the commission and ongoing contribution to Australian sport.”

Ms Jenkins said it was an exciting period for Australian sport, and that she was thrilled, as chair, to have the opportunity to contribute to the work being done by the Australian Sports Commission.

“The ASC plays an incredibly important national leadership role – for all sports and all Australians,” she said.

“Through its work increasing participation for Australians and supporting performance at the highest levels, I know the ASC helps unite, inspire and connect Australia.

“If we can harness the opportunities ahead of us, I’m confident Australia’s sporting system can be the world’s best.”

In a separate statement, the ASC said it was delighted to welcome Ms Jenkins as its new chair.

CEO Kieran Perkins OAM said: “Kate is one of Australia’s most distinguished leaders, and her record of making systemic change across a range of sectors speaks for itself.

“There is no doubt that Kate’s expertise will be a wonderful asset to the ASC and our whole sector as we strive to ensure sport has a place for everyone and delivers results that make Australia proud.”

Ms Jenkins, Mr Green and Dr Kean join seven other board members: deputy chair Andrew Ireland, Amanda Laing, Kurt Fearnley AO, Lynne Anderson, Craig Redman, Dixie Marshall and Blair Comley PSM.