Family First welcomes the commonsense decision by World Athletics to implement mandatory gender testing for elite female athletes.

This is a landmark move to protect the integrity of women’s sport and ensure a level playing field – something that should never have been up for debate.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was clear: “If you don’t do that, then we know where that leads… I see a very, very clear distinction. The risk if we do nothing – we lose women’s sport.”

From 1 September, athletes who wish to compete in the female category in events that carry ranking points will be required to undertake a simple once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test to confirm their biological sex.

This is in direct response to the chaos seen at the Paris Olympics, where biologically male athletes were controversially permitted to compete against women in boxing, despite previous disqualifications.

Family First commends World Athletics for drawing a firm line.

The decision follows years of scientific, legal and social consultation.

It acknowledges the reality that fairness in female sport is only possible when biological males are not permitted to compete in women’s categories.

No amount of hormone suppression can erase the physical advantages conferred by male puberty.

Family First also welcomes the Australian federation’s reported support of this initiative. But now it’s time for Australian law and sports policy to catch up.

That’s why Family First is preparing now to field candidates in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales who will fight for legislation to restore and protect the integrity of women’s and girls’ sport.

This includes amending anti-discrimination laws that currently prevent sporting codes and clubs from excluding males who identify as female, even in contact sports.

Family First will not stand by while the major parties sit on their hands and let brave advocates like Kirralie Smith of Binary be dragged through the courts for calling out biological men playing in women’s sports.

Sadly Liberal and Labor are weak and woke and won’t take on the radical LGBTQA+ lobby.

It should not require international intervention to defend fairness in women’s sport.

Australians are waking up. Common sense is making a comeback – and Family First is proud to be part of the movement to restore truth, fairness and safety for our daughters, sisters and mothers.

We are raising up candidates who will stand strong. It’s time our parliaments stood for women.