Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson has announced a national survey on the participation of transgender, gender diverse and intersex people in sports to ensure their rights are protected in the policies and practices of sporting codes.

“Participation in sports is part of the Australian identity and helps promote healthy, well-being, fair play and a culture of mateship,” Commissioner Wilson said.

“Not enough empirical data has been collected on the experiences of trans, gender diverse and intersex people in Australian sports. We hope that this consultation will assist in filling this gap at a national level.”

The national survey results will inform the National Anti-Homophobia and Inclusion Framework to ensure it suitably protects people based on gender identity or intersex status.

Developed by Bingham Cup Sydney 2014, the framework has been adopted by Australia’s five principal sporting codes, including Cricket Australia, Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, National Rugby League and Football Federation Australia.

To support the implementation of the framework, the Australian Human Rights Commission teamed with the Australian Sports Commission and Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 to commission Pride in Diversity to develop the Pride in Sports Equality Index, which annually measures sports on LGBTI inclusiveness.

“We are excited to be working with Bingham Cup, the Australian Sports Commission and Pride in Diversity to foster a culture of respect and diversity in Australian sports,” Commissioner Wilson said.

In addition to the online survey, the Commission will review federal legislation, local and national sporting code policies, and national and international literature. It will build upon consultations and research conducted in 2014-15.

“During the Commission’s recent national consultation, transgender, gender diverse and intersex people reported positive experiences in sport participation; others said they have experienced exclusion, violence and harassment based on their gender identity or intersex status,” Commissioner Wilson said.

“The Australia we should all want is one where everyone feels safe and capable of performing to their best. That happens when we eliminate pointless discrimination and bring about a culture of safety and inclusion.”