Lack of coverage killing women's sport, inquiry told

A public inquiry in Sydney has heard a suggestion that media outlets could be compelled to carry regular coverage of women's sport.

The inquiry into how to improve the representation of women in sport was told that a lack of coverage, sponsorship and prize money was chiefly to blame for the low profile of female-only competitions.

And the meeting was told that as a result there were not enough female sporting role models to encourage young girls to get involved.

In a submission to the inquiry, Football Federation Australia (FFA) suggested that one solution would be for the Government to regulate to oblige media outlets to provide regular coverage of women's sports.

The FFA pointed out that the men's and women's national football teams received vastly differing amounts of publicity.

It said the Socceroos' World Cup achievements received an enormous amount of coverage while the Matildas' qualification for their third World Cup in the last 12 years barely rated a mention.

The inquiry is continuing.

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