The Australian sporting landscape continues to evolve towards greater accessibility, inclusion and opportunity, with the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability (ASAPD) announcing the renewal of its strategic partnership with global law firm Dentons for 2026.

The renewed agreement reinforces a highly successful collaboration that has become instrumental in supporting the governance, legal integrity and operational sustainability of disability sport organisations throughout Australia. As the nation continues to pursue greater participation and representation for people living with disability, the partnership signifies a shared commitment to strengthening the legal foundations that enable inclusive sporting opportunities to flourish.

The continuation of this alliance arrives at a pivotal time for the disability sport sector, where regulatory obligations, governance expectations and safeguarding requirements are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Through the partnership, Dentons will continue to provide comprehensive legal support to ASAPD and its eight affiliated National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability, helping these organisations navigate an increasingly complex legal and operational environment.

Strengthening the Legal Framework Behind Disability Sport

Legal governance has become a critical component of modern sporting administration. From safeguarding policies and employment law to intellectual property protection and risk management, sporting organisations face a broad spectrum of legal responsibilities.

Under the renewed arrangement, Dentons will continue to advise ASAPD and its member organisations on a wide range of matters, including:

Governance and Board Responsibilities

Effective governance remains essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring sporting organisations operate transparently and responsibly. Dentons will continue assisting ASAPD and its affiliated organisations with governance frameworks designed to support sustainable growth and regulatory compliance.

Charity Law and Taxation

As many disability sporting organisations operate within the not-for-profit sector, specialist legal guidance regarding charitable status, taxation obligations and compliance requirements remains vital. Dentons’ expertise helps organisations maximise resources while meeting statutory obligations.

Intellectual Property Protection

Protecting organisational brands, programmes, educational resources and promotional materials is increasingly important in a competitive sporting environment. Dentons provides strategic guidance to safeguard intellectual property assets and preserve organisational value.

Employment and Workforce Matters

The disability sport sector relies upon dedicated staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Employment law compliance, workplace policies and workforce governance remain critical considerations requiring specialist legal expertise.

Safeguarding, Integrity and Conduct

Safeguarding participants remains one of the most important priorities for sporting organisations. Dentons supports the development and implementation of frameworks designed to protect athletes, volunteers and participants while ensuring integrity and accountability across the sector.

Risk Management and Organisational Resilience

The modern sporting environment presents numerous operational and legal risks. Comprehensive legal support assists organisations in identifying, mitigating and managing risks while maintaining focus on their core mission of delivering inclusive sporting opportunities.

ASAPD’s Mission: Creating Inclusive Sporting Opportunities for All Australians

At the heart of the partnership lies ASAPD’s mission to ensure that Australians living with disability have equitable access to sport and active recreation.

The organisation plays a pivotal role in advocating for inclusion, supporting sporting pathways and fostering environments where participation is encouraged regardless of ability. Through collaboration, advocacy and strategic support, ASAPD seeks to remove barriers that have historically limited access to sporting participation.

The organisation’s work extends beyond competition, recognising the significant physical, social and mental health benefits that sport and recreation provide for individuals and communities.

By promoting inclusive participation models, ASAPD contributes to a broader national objective of creating welcoming environments where all Australians can engage in physical activity and community life.

Leadership Perspectives on the Renewed Partnership

ASAPD Chief Executive Officer Dr Phil Hamdorf highlighted the significant value the partnership has delivered to both the organisation and its affiliated members.

According to Dr Hamdorf, Dentons has established itself as a trusted legal partner through its understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within disability sport.

The relationship has enabled member organisations to access specialist legal expertise that supports both operational excellence and long-term sustainability. The continuation of the partnership reflects a mutual commitment to fostering greater inclusion and participation across Australian sport.

Dr Hamdorf emphasised that the partnership will continue to play an important role as ASAPD works towards expanding opportunities for Australians with disability and strengthening inclusive sporting pathways nationwide.

Dentons Reaffirms Commitment to Australia’s Not-for-Profit Sector

Dentons’ ongoing support of ASAPD aligns with the firm’s broader commitment to supporting charities, not-for-profit organisations and purpose-driven enterprises across Australia.

Campbell Hudson, Partner at Dentons and a recognised leader within the charities and not-for-profit sector, stated that the firm is proud to continue supporting ASAPD and its affiliated organisations.

He noted that ASAPD plays a critical role in strengthening inclusive sport throughout Australia and that Dentons remains committed to providing practical, accessible and tailored legal services that enable organisations to focus on delivering meaningful community impact.

This philosophy reflects an increasing recognition within the legal profession that specialist support for purpose-driven organisations can contribute significantly to positive social outcomes.

Campbell Hudson

The partnership benefits significantly from the expertise of Campbell Hudson, a Sydney-based Partner at Dentons with more than three decades of experience across insolvency, banking law, commercial litigation, restructuring and the not-for-profit sector.

Throughout his career, Hudson has advised numerous disability service providers, charitable organisations, Indigenous organisations, educational institutions and foundations on governance, compliance and operational matters.

His experience includes advising:

• Major National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service providers on governance and regulatory matters.

• Aged care organisations on compliance and operational frameworks.

• Not-for-profit organisations undertaking mergers, acquisitions and restructuring initiatives.

• Organisations seeking safe harbour protections against insolvent trading liabilities.

• Major financial institutions and banking organisations.

• Administrators, liquidators and receivers involved in complex restructuring and insolvency matters.

Hudson’s leadership extends beyond professional practice. He currently serves on the board of Outward Bound Australia and has supported numerous educational and Indigenous initiatives throughout his career.

His professional achievements have been recognised through multiple listings in Best Lawyers Australia, including recognition in litigation and financial institutions law.

Caroline Snow

The partnership is further strengthened by the involvement of Brisbane-based Partner Caroline Snow, whose extensive experience in governance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance and regulatory matters provides substantial value to disability and not-for-profit organisations.

A Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, Snow has built a reputation for delivering clear and practical guidance on complex regulatory issues. Her ability to translate intricate legal requirements into actionable governance strategies has made her a trusted adviser to boards, executives and stakeholders across multiple sectors.

Her professional experience spans:

Corporate Governance

Advising boards on governance frameworks, compliance obligations and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Leading complex transactions across technology, financial services, education and disability-related sectors.

Regulatory Compliance

Providing strategic advice to organisations navigating complex regulatory environments and compliance requirements.

Funds Management and Financial Services

Establishing and advising managed investment schemes and regulated financial structures.

Disability and Supported Accommodation Services

Delivering specialist compliance advice within supported disability accommodation and related service sectors.

Snow’s professional achievements have also earned industry recognition, including nomination for the Queensland Law Society Agnes McWhinney Award and finalist positions in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.

The Eight National Sporting Organisations Driving Inclusion

Through its national network, ASAPD supports eight affiliated National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability that collectively create sporting opportunities for thousands of Australians.

These organisations include:

• Blind Sports Australia

• Boccia Australia

• Deaf Sports Australia

• Disabled Wintersport Australia

• Riding for the Disabled Australia

• Special Olympics Australia

• Sport Inclusion Australia

• Transplant Australia

Together, these organisations deliver programmes, competitions, development pathways and participation opportunities that help ensure Australians with disability can engage meaningfully in sport at all levels.

Why Legal Partnerships Matter in Modern Sport

The growing complexity of sports governance means that legal partnerships are increasingly becoming strategic necessities rather than administrative conveniences.

Sporting organisations must address evolving expectations relating to safeguarding, integrity, workplace conduct, privacy, risk management and regulatory compliance. Access to specialist legal expertise allows organisations to proactively address these challenges while maintaining focus on participant outcomes and community impact.

For disability sport organisations, which often operate within the intersection of sport, health, community services and not-for-profit regulation, this support becomes even more significant.

The renewal of the ASAPD-Dentons partnership demonstrates how legal expertise can underpin organisational resilience and contribute to broader social outcomes through stronger governance and enhanced operational capability.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Sporting Future

As Australia continues advancing towards greater accessibility and inclusion, partnerships between purpose-driven organisations and professional service providers will remain critical to achieving sustainable progress.

The renewed alliance between ASAPD and Dentons represents more than a legal services agreement. It reflects a shared vision of a sporting landscape where barriers are removed, opportunities are expanded and participation is accessible to all Australians regardless of ability.

By combining ASAPD’s leadership in disability sport with Dentons’ extensive legal expertise, the partnership is well positioned to support continued growth, stronger governance and greater inclusion throughout the Australian sporting community.

With both organisations committed to empowering participation and strengthening organisational capability, the 2026 renewal marks another important chapter in the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting future for all Australians.