Australian Sport Policy
Australian governments develop public policy to communicate and deliver on strategic intentions. It guides decisions and government investment including support and financial assistance provided to individuals, organisations, and other community groups.
Australian sport policy reflects the value and importance our society places upon sport. It will often be leveraged by—or integrated with—objectives beyond the sport sector including:
- preventive health and wellbeing
- community and urban development
- tourism and trade
- international relations.
Roles and responsibilities of Australian governments
Australia has three levels of government - the Australian Government (also referred to as the Commonwealth or Federal Government), State and Territory Governments, and Local Governments (also known as municipal or local councils). More information about the broad roles and responsibilities of these different governments is available from the Parliamentary Education Office website.
For sport, the Federal, State, and Territory governments work independently and through coordinated approaches to develop and implement sport related policies and programs targeting all or part of the Australian sporting pathway from grassroots to elite level sport.
Local governments play an important role in developing and maintaining sport and recreation infrastructure, and provide a range of services essential to making sport accessible to all Australians.
Non-government organisations, such as national and state sporting bodies and their affiliated clubs, work closely with various government agencies to initiate and/or implement sport related programs and services.
A detailed description of the various segments of the Australian sport sector is provided in the Clearinghouse Structure of Australian Sport topic.
Federal Government
Federal Government
History
Prior to the 1970’s there was limited Australian Government involvement in national sport policy or program development.
The National Fitness Act 1941, which was in effect 1941 to 1994, was an early exception. Originally passed during the Second World War the purpose of this Act was to improve the fitness of Australian young people, and better prepare them for work in the armed services and industry. It made federal funding available to state-based fitness councils to coordinate promotional campaigns, programs, education, and infrastructure. Most of this work was accomplished by volunteers with a focus on playgrounds, clubs, and camping programs for children and youth, and the development of physical education in schools. 5
1972
The establishment of the Department of Tourism and Recreation by the Whitlam Government (1972-1975) was the first time an Australian Government department had dedicated responsibility for sport.
The Hon. Francis 'Frank' Stewart, was appointed as the first Minister for Sport.1973
The Role, Scope and Development of Recreation in Australia, Professor John Bloomfield AM, (1973). The 'Bloomfield Report' highlighted the need for better sports governance, supporting elite sport, and enhancing community fitness. It proposed creating a national institute of sport and offering federal funding to national sporting organisations and state/territory governments.
The Recreation Ministers' Council (RMC) (later renamed the Sport and Recreation Ministers' Council (SRMC)) was established as a platform for Commonwealth and State and Territory Ministers to discuss shared interests in sport and recreation.The Standing Committee on Recreation (later renamed Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport (SCORS)) convened for the first time in September 1973 to support the SRMC.
1975
The Report of the Australian Sports Institute Study Group, Dr. Allan Coles, (1975). The 'Coles Report' addressed recommendations from the Bloomfield Report, focusing on the feasibility of a National Institute of Sport. It proposed establishing the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, with state branches, a national coaching system, and sports science and medicine services.
The Government established a Sport Advisory Council to provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to national sport development. 21976
The incoming Fraser Government scaled back some of the recommended national sport reforms. However, Australia's disappointing performance at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympic Games and lobbying by national sporting bodies prompted a reassessment of the government's policy. Funding streams for sporting organisations were subsequently established.
Sport and recreation development: discussion paper, Department of Environment, Housing and Community, (1976). This discussion paper outlined the current state of sport, recreation and fitness in Australia. It briefly examined the Australian Sports Institute Study Group report (Coles Report). (Held by Australian Sports Commission [print], [call number GV675.A87)1978
The Victorian Government's Life Be In It advertising campaign was relaunched as a national initiative aimed at reversing the growing trend towards sedentary lifestyles among the Australian population. 3
The Australian Coaching Council (ACC) was established with the aim of advancing excellence in sport coaching and overseeing the development of a National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). 21980
The official announcement of the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) was made on 25 January 1980.
The United States, under President Jimmy Carter, led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympic Games, primarily driven by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. The Fraser Government of Australia supported this boycott and urged athletes not to attend the Games. Despite these efforts, 120 Australian athletes (92 men and 28 women) chose to compete under the Olympic Flag at the Games, participating in 92 events across 17 sports. 61981
The AIS was opened on Australia Day, 26 January 1981, by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, operating as a public company under the Australian Capital Territory’s Companies Ordinance, 1981.
The National Committee on Sport and Recreation for the Disabled was established to make recommendations to the Minister on priority areas for development and funding for persons with disability. 21983
In its 1983 election sport policy, the Australian Labor Party recommended the establishment of a sports commission to introduce a more coordinated approach to sport development in Australia. 4
The Sport Advisory Council was dissolved, with the aim of establishing a sports commission. 2
The way we p(l)ay: Commonwealth assistance for sport and recreation, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure, Parliament of Australia, (December 1983). This report reviewed the efficiency and effectiveness of Commonwealth Government expenditure on youth, sport, and recreation.1984
Interim Committee for the Australian Sports Commission, Report to the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, Australian Government Publishing Service (March 1994). This report looked at the potential role of the Australian Sports Commission and provided guidelines for its establishment. The report also discussed the role of the Commonwealth Government in sports development and outlined possible funding options for sport outside of government sources.
Payments to athletes and teams who did not participate at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure, Parliament of Australia, (May 1984). This report examined the nature and purpose of payments made to athletes and teams that did not participate at the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympic Games. The Fraser Government had requested sporting organisations and their athletes and teams boycott the Games.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) was officially announced in September 1984 by Prime Minister, the Hon. Robert "Bob" Hawke and Minister for Sport, the Hon. John Brown. They unveiled the ASC Board's composition and its terms of reference, granting the board authority over overall direction, resource allocation, and policy formulation for delegated decisions.
The National Sports Research Program (NSRP) was established to commission research and establish standardised testing protocols for athletes across Australia. 81985
In July 1985, the ASC was formally established as a Commonwealth Statutory Authority by the Australian Sports Commission Act 1985.
1986
The AIS becomes a Commonwealth Statutory Authority in October 1986 with the passing of the Australian Institute of Sport Act 1986.
1987
In response to the rationalisation of Commonwealth assistance to the sport sector, the Government initiated the process to merge the AIS with the ASC.
Sports aviation safety, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport Safety, Parliament of Australia, (February 1987). This report examined safety practices of Australian sports involved in aviation activities.1988
In May 1988, the Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation, and the Arts launched an inquiry (Drugs in Sport) in response to extensive accusations of performance-enhancing drug use among Australian athletes in the late 1980s.
1989
The AIS officially merged with the ASC, which then became the principal Australian Government agency responsible for sport under the revised Australian Sports Commission Act 1989.
Australian Sports Kit was the Australian Government's first plan for Australian Sport.
Going for gold: The first report on an Inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Parliament of Australia, (March 1989). This report focused on high performance sport funding in Australia and made recommendations regarding the role of the Australian Institute of Sport.
Drugs in Sport: An Interim Report, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation, and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 1989). The principal reason for preparing this interim report was to remove, as soon as possible, the uncertainties and difficulties being experienced by the AIS as a result of the inquiry.1990
Can sport be bought?: Second report on an inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Parliament of Australia, (May 1990). The inquiry into sports funding and administration (also known as the 'Martin Report'), focused on sports participation funding, particularly for women and sport for the disabled. The inquiry also examined tobacco sponsorship of sport.
Drugs in Sport: Second Report, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation, and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 1990). This report proposed measures to prevent and detect the use of drugs in sport and restrict their availability. The Government’s response was to establish the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA).
1991
The Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) was established under the Australian Sports Drug Agency Act 1990 on 18 February 1991. 7
Equine welfare in competitive events other than racing, Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare, Parliament of Australia, (August 1991). This report examined equine welfare at rodeos, camp drafting, eventing and endurance riding. It did not cover the Australian horse racing industry.1992
Maintain the momentum was a four-year sports policy and funding program which brought the government funding cycle into line with the Summer Olympic Games cycle.
Physical and sport education. Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (December 1992). This report outlined the state of sport and physical skills in Australian school children, training of teachers and community sport providers in provision of physical education and sport, and the allocation of resources to physical education and sport in Australian schools.1993
The National Elite Sports Council (NESC) was established to provide a forum for communication, issues management, and national program co-ordination across the high-performance sport sector in Australia. It included representatives from the AIS, State Institutes and Academies of Sport, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Australian Paralympic Committee (APC), and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA).
1994
The Olympic Athlete Program: making great Australians provided $135 million funding over a six year period. This was additional funding to the 'Maintain the Momentum' policy and was the direct outcome of Australia’s successful bid to host the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Inquiry into the Sydney Olympics: the adequacy of existing and planned aviation services and infrastructure, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport, Communication and Infrastructure, Parliament of Australia, (November 1994). This report examined the implications of Sydney hosting the 2000 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games on broadcast spectrums, transmission facilities, aviation infrastructure, and land transport.
The Community Cultural, Recreational and Sporting Facilities Program: A review of a report on an efficiency audit by the Auditor-General, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (1994). The report of the efficiency audit of the Community Cultural, Recreational and Sporting Facilities Program dealt with two main issues - the general administration of the program and the accountability of the Minister. The second issue arose because the Minister was responsible for selecting projects to receive funding and there had been allegations that there was a bias towards Labor held electorates in the allocation of funds.
In late 1994, the Commonwealth Government decided to transfer all remaining sport responsibilities from the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories to the ASC, except those functions required by statutory requirement, such as legislative changes to the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989, and appointments to the boards of the ASC and Australian Sports Drug Agency.1995
Soccer: first report, Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (June 1995). This report inquired into player transfers in Australian soccer.
Soccer: second report, Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (November 1995). The second report examined the administration of soccer in Australia and followed up recommendations from the first report.
Cashing in on the Olympics: protecting the Olympics from ambush marketing, Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (1995). This report examined the scope of existing protection afforded to the words and symbols associated with the Olympic Games in light of Sydney winning the right to host the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. [Held by Clearinghouse for Sport, GV722 2000.M1.A88
Olympics 2000 … and the winner is? , House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Parliament of Australia, (1995). This report examined opportunities for Australian industries with Sydney hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.1997
Active Australia: a national participation framework, Australian Sports Commission, (1997). The Active Australia Framework offered a strategic and cooperative approach to encourage participation in physical activity by all Australians.
Rethinking the funding of community sporting and recreational facilities: a sporting chance, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, (October 1997). The inquiry found that there was nearly universal support for the Commonwealth Government to re-enter the field of funding sporting and recreational facilities at the community level.1998
Government response: Rethinking the funding of community sporting and recreational facilities: a sporting chance, (June 1998). The Commonwealth Government agreed to jointly fund, with the State and Territory governments, a national audit of all sporting and recreational facilities.
1999
The Australian Sports Commission: beyond 2000, Australian Sports Commission, (June 1999). Discussion paper by the ASC that looked at the Australian sport system beyond the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This paper argued that funding should not be diluted, and the ASC role should move from an interventionist managerial approach to one based more on a facilitative approach.
Shaping up: a review of Commonwealth involvement in sport and recreation in Australia, Sport 2000 Task Force, (November 1999). Also referred to as the 'Oakley Report,' provided an evaluation of the effects of Commonwealth Government policies and initiatives in sports and recreation spanning 25 years. This review offered an overview of the Australian sports landscape in 2000. Key recommendations included granting autonomy to sports organisations, increasing access to Australian government resources for recreational entities, and establishing four business units to support the sports and recreation industries.2000
The Australian Sports Medal was awarded in 2000, the year of the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, to those who contributed to Australia's sporting excellence.
2001
The primary objectives of the Backing Australia's Sporting Ability: A more active Australia policy was to provide support for Australia's top athletes and expand the talent pool for future world champions.
Game Plan 2006: sport and leisure industry s trategic national plan , Sport and Tourism Division, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, (2001). A national strategic plan for the Australian sport and leisure industry. The plan endeavoured to take advantage of Australia hosting the 2000 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The industry consisted of four key areas: professional services (coaching, sport science, and fitness); facility management (planning, construction, and management); goods and equipment (manufacturing and retailing); and media (print, television, cable, and satellite).2003
Redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, (August 2003). The report into the proposed redevelopment of the AIS Bruce Facility, which was approved.
2006
On 14 March 2006, the Australian Government launched the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) aiming to strengthen the 'Tough on Drugs' message in sport, replacing ASDA.
About time! women in sport and recreation in Australia. Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts, Reference Committee, Parliament of Australia, (September 2006). This Senate inquiry reported on five main issues related to women in sport and recreation: (1) health benefit of sport participation; (2) grass roots participation; (3) elite sport; (4) leadership and governance; and (5) mass media.2008
Australian sport: emerging challenges, new directions, Department of Health and Ageing, (2008). This directions paper on Australian sport policy announced the appointment of an Independent Sport Panel. The Panel would examine the delivery of elite sporting programs to minimise duplication and maximise the benefits and effectiveness of available resources. Other areas for the Panel to investigate were sport and physical activity as key elements of the Government's preventative health agenda; improving the status of women in sport; improving delivery of Indigenous sport; and improving access to sport for persons with disability.
2009
The reporting of sports news and the emergence of digital media, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communication and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 2009). This report examined the nature of sports news reporting in the digital age, in particular the impact of new technologies, video streaming on the Internet, archived photo galleries, and mobile devices. It examined the role of sports organisations in relation to broadcasting.
The future of sport in Australia, Independent Sport Panel, Department of Health and Ageing, (October 2009). This report, also known as the Crawford Report, made 38 recommendations; among them: development of a national approach to sports policy at both an elite and community level; that the ASC should not be involved in service delivery; that the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program should be contracted out to appropriate providers at agreed performance standards; that there should be a wider definition of sporting success to include measures of our nation’s fitness and participation in activity; and that there should be an increased focus on physical education in schools.2010
The Australian sport: the pathway to success policy announced a new way forward, one that focused upon boosting the participation of Australians for the benefit of communities and sporting success.
2011
In February 2011, the Sport and Recreation Ministers Council established a new National Institute partnership to fulfill national objectives. Subsequently, in June 2011, the National Institute System Intergovernmental Agreement was created to promote collaboration among high performance agencies, primarily focusing on the delivery of national sporting organisations' high performance plans.
SCORS was reformed as the Committee of Australian Sport and Recreation Officials (CASRO).
The National Institute Network (NIN) was established as a sub group of the National Elite Sports Council (NESC).
The National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework was agreed to by all Ministers (Federal/State/Territory) responsible for sport and recreation on 10 June 2011.2012
Australia's Winning Edge 2012-2022: our game plan for moving from world class to world best, Australian Sports Commission, (2012). 'Australia's Winning Edge' was a collaborative initiative led by the ASC in partnership with key stakeholders in the high-performance sports sector. It built upon the National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework and the National Institute System Intergovernmental Agreement. The Policy Framework focussed on five key areas: investing for success, planning to perform, the right support, good governance and capability, and evidence-based decisions.
2013
Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport: New Generation Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs and Organised Criminal Involvement in their use in Professional Sport, Australian Crime Commission, (February 2013). This report provides a summary of findings from a 12-month investigation by the ACC and ASADA. Widespread use of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), was identified or suspected by professional athletes in a number of Australian sporting codes. In response the Australian Government announced tough new measures including introducing legislation to strengthen ASADA's investigative powers.
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill 2013, Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Parliament of Australia, (March 2013). This report included submissions on proposed amendments to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006. Proposed amendments included: ASADA working more closely with police and intelligence agencies; banning athletes from working with sports professionals involved in doping; and increasing first offence bans from two to four years.
The advertising and promotion of gambling services in sport, Joint Committee on Gambling Reform, Parliament of Australia, (June 2013). Report on the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Advertising for Sports Betting) Bill 2013. This report focused on the advertising and promotion of gambling services in sport.
Sport - more than just a game: contribution of sport to Indigenous wellbeing and mentoring, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Parliament of Australia, (June 2013). This report focused on how sporting bodies could increase opportunities for Indigenous participation; non-government organisations utilising sport as a vehicle to improve health and social outcomes for Indigenous people; and the contribution of Indigenous sporting programs.
Practice of sports science in Australia, Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Parliament of Australia, (July 2013). This report examined the current state of sport science in Australia in terms of accreditation, management of sports scientists by sports organisations, and duty of care and ethical considerations of sport scientists.2014
AIS and NESC initiated an Independent Review of the NIN (July 2014) to evaluate state institutes, strategies, and alignment. The review produced 27 recommendations covering leadership, governance, capability, training environment, and system efficiency, advocating for new governance models to enhance national high performance efforts and accountability.
2015
Play.Sport.Australia, Australian Sports Commission, (March 2015). The policy looked at how sport has changed in the last decade and plotted the opportunities the Australian sports sector must embrace and maximise in the years ahead. It also provided an outline of where the ASC expected sports participation to be in the future.
On 1 September 2015, CASRO endorsed the 'Independent Review of the NIN' and initiated a move away from NESC to a more informal model incorporating the NIN, the NSO Performance Director forum, and a high-performance summit.
Australian Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2015-18, Australian Government, (2015). This strategy aimed to achieve the objectives of connecting, developing, showcasing, and sustaining new and existing channels of sports support, partnerships within the sports industry, and international sports networks.2016
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - Case study 39: Sporting clubs and institutions, (April 2016). A public hearing into sporting clubs and institutions was held in April 2016.
Girls, Make Your Move, Department of Health and Aged Care, (2016-2022). Inspired by Sport England's 'This Girl Can' initiative this campaign aimed to encourage and support young women aged 12-19 to be more active and reinforce the benefits of an active life, whether through recreation, sport or other physical activity.2017
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Sports Betting Reform) Bill 2015, Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (March 2017). Report from the Committee investigating the Bill that proposes to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to implement harm minimisation measures to help individuals using online sports betting to better control their gambling.
On 5 August 2017, the Minister for Sport, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, announced a review of Australia’s sports integrity arrangements to be led by the Hon. James Wood AO QC.2018
The National Sport Plan: Sport 2030 represented the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to seeing Australian sport thrive.
Report of the review of Australia’s sports integrity arrangements, Department of Health, (March 2018). Also known as a the 'Wood Review', responded to global threats to sports integrity by proposing 52 recommendations across five key areas: combating match-fixing, implementing an Australian Sports Wagering Scheme, strengthening anti-doping measures, establishing a National Sports Tribunal, and creating a National Sports Integrity Commission.2019
In response to the 'Wood Review', the Australian Government released Safeguarding the Integrity of Sport - the Government Response to the Wood Review, (February 2019), outlining plans for the establishment of Sport Integrity Australia, which would amalgamate the integrity efforts of the National Integrity of Sport Unit (NISU), ASADA, and the ASC. The Government also approved a two-year pilot of a National Sports Tribunal, to act as an arbitral tribunal for sports matters to provide independent and cost-effective resolutions of a wide variety of sporting disputes.
The National Sports Tribunal Act 2019, passed on 19 September 2019.
The National High Performance Sport Strategy 2024 was released in November 2019, to support the priorities and objectives of Sport 2030.
Sport Diplomacy 2030, Australian Government, (2019). This strategy works to bring the Government’s first national sports plan, Sport 2030, to an international stage. Australia recognises the power of sport to bring people and nations together.2020
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment (Enhancing Australia’s Anti-Doping Capability) Bill 2019, Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (February 2020). The bill responds to recommendations of the 2017 'Review of Australia's Sports Integrity Arrangements (Wood Review)' that legislative amendments be made to allow ASADA's existing regulatory functions to be carried out more effectively.
On the 19 March 2020, the National Sports Tribunal began operating under a two-year pilot. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sport sector, in late 2020 the pilot was extended by a further 12 months, with a new end date of March 2023.
On 1 July 2020, Sport Integrity Australia began operations under the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020.
In October 2020, the National Cabinet decided to disband MSRM and CASRO.
On 4 December 2020, the criteria for the Australian Sports Medal were amended. These changes allow the medal to be awarded in recognition of Australian sporting participation in multi-sport events.2021
Administration of Sports Grants, Select Committee on Administration of Sports Grants, Parliament of Australia, (March 2021). The committee conducted an inquiry into and reported on the administration and allocation of funding under the 'Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program'.
2022
An independent Evaluation of the National Sports Tribunal Pilot report i(July 2022) presented the evaluation of the National Sports Tribunal during its pilot period.
Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy: Win Well, launched in December 2022, with the aim to optimise success in Summer and Winter Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games sports. Led by the Australian Sports Commission, it fosters collaboration and clarity in the high-performance sports system.2023
Adaptive sport programs for Australian Defence Force veterans, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (May 2023). The committee conducted an inquiry to examine the role of adaptive sport programs for Australian Defence Force veterans in addressing issues identified by the ongoing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (September 2023). The committee's primary focus for the report was to examine concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, while acknowledging that many of these same issues apply to non-contact sports as well. The committee recommended the establishment of the National Sports Injury Database and increased transparency in collecting and sharing concussion data.
In the October 2022/23 Federal budget, the Government announced the National Sports Tribunal's continuation as the ongoing dispute resolution entity for Australian sport.
Announced in October 2023, an independent review into the AIS infrastructure was conducted. The review was to consider the optimal location for the AIS, the level of investment required, including appropriate accommodation facilities for athletes and staff, and international best practices.
Australia's Participation Sport Strategy: Play Well, launched November 2023, with the aim to create inclusive sporting environments for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of sports. The strategy has been co-designed by the Australia sport system.2024
Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (2023/2024).
In February 2024, the independent review into the AIS infrastructure recommended that the AIS should remain in Canberra, and the Government accepted this recommendation.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023 [Provisions], Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (April 2024). The report addresses anti-siphoning reforms designed to safeguard free access to televised coverage of nationally significant sporting events.
Federal Government
Sport policies and strategies
The Federal Minister for Sport is responsible for national sport policy in Australia and is supported by the Office for Sport, The Office for Sport leads and directs a range of Australian Government sport and physical activity policy areas, including water safety, and the bidding and hosting of major sporting events in Australia.
The Office for Sport is currently developing a new National Sport Plan. The new plan, which will replace Sport 2030, will set a shared vision and priorities for sport and align and leverage key Australian Government sport strategies and plans. It will also align with state, territory, and other sector plans.
1989
The Australian sports kit - Next Step, Australian Government; Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories, (1989). The Australian Government's first plan of action, under the aegis of the ASC, to increase the level of participation in sport by all Australians. It also aimed to improve the level of performance of Australian athletes nationally and internationally.
1992
Maintain the momentum: Australian government sports policy 1992 to 1996, Australian Government; Department for the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories, (1992). A four-year sports policy and funding program that brought the government funding cycle into line with the Summer Olympic Games cycle. It also provided funding to continue to grow and consolidate the gains from the Next Step policy including maintaining, or increasing, funding to the ASC, AIS, and Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA).
1994
Olympic athlete program: making great Australians, Australian Government, Department of Environment, Sport and Territories, (1994). Provided $135 million funding over six years. This was additional funding to the Maintain the Momentum policy and was the direct outcome of Australia’s successful bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games and Paralympics in Sydney.
1997
Active Australia: a national participation framework, Australian Sports Commission, (1997). The Active Australia Framework offered a strategic and cooperative approach to encourage participation in physical activity by all Australians.
2001
Backing Australia's Sporting Ability - A More Active Australia, Australian Government, (2001). This policy had two objectives: to support top athletes to continue reaching 'new peaks', and to increase the talent pool for future world champions by increasing community sport participation.
2010
Australian sport: the pathway to success, Australian Government; Department of Health, (2010). This policy focused on boosting the participation of Australians for the benefit of communities and sporting success. It delivered on the Australian Government’s commitment to boost funding to both community and high-performance sport and for the first time, delivered a significant investment to the development pathway, which is the vital link that connects grassroots and high-performance sport.
2011
National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework, (2011) The framework was agreed to by all Ministers (Federal/State/Territory) responsible for sport and recreation on 10 June 2011. The Framework guided cross-jurisdictional cooperation of public policy and program development for the sport and active recreation sectors. It identified priority areas for investment and set targets for a range of policy objectives, including participation, international sporting success, and the sustainability of the Australian sport system.
2018
National Sport Plan: Sport 2030, Commonwealth of Australia, (2018). Represents the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to seeing Australian sport thrive.
2019
National High Performance Sport Strategy 2024, (2019). The NHPSS, released in November 2019, was developed to support the priorities and objectives of Sport 2030. The NHPSS was a joint strategy of National Sporting Organisations (NSO), the National Institute Network (NIN) and other system partners. The NHPSS was a first, positioning Australia’s HP Institutes/Academies and athletes under a national framework, strengthening its dealings with governments, communities, academic institutions, industry and the private sector, moving towards a common goal of National Pride and Inspiration through International Sporting Success.
2022
Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy: Win Well, Australian Sport Sector - led by the Australian Sports Commission, (2022). Commonly known as HP2032+ or Win Well, focuses on optimising outcomes and sustainable success for Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports. Launched in December 2022, the strategy has been co-designed by Australia's High Performance Sport System, with the aim to foster collaboration, alignment, clarity and accountability across Australia’s High Performance Sport System.
2023
Australia's Participation Sport Strategy: Play Well, Australian Sport Sector - led by the Australian Sports Commission, (2023). Play Well – Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy has been developed to create great sporting environments and experiences, where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities can come together to access the benefts of sport.
Federal Government
Parliament of Australia reports
The Parliament of Australia conducts inquiries into issues or legislation brought before its various Committees. These inquiries often invite public submissions and produce reports and recommendations. Generally, the Australian Government will provide a response to recommendations made in these reports.
Inquiries and submissions often provide valuable research and evidence on an issue, that can be helpful in policy formulation. Parliamentary inquiries have covered a broad range of sport topics, such as doping, funding, facilities, broadcasting and communication, gambling, health and safety, physical education, First Nations Peoples' sport participation, and women in sport.
1983
The way we p(l)ay: Commonwealth assistance for sport and recreation, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure, Parliament of Australia, (December 1983). This report reviewed the efficiency and effectiveness of Commonwealth Government expenditure on Youth, Sport, and Recreation.
1984
Payments to athletes and teams who did not participate at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure, Parliament of Australia, (May 1984). This report examined the nature and purpose of payments made to athletes and teams that did not participate at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. The Fraser Government had requested sporting organisations, their athletes, and teams boycott the Games.
1987
Sports aviation safety, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport Safety, Parliament of Australia, (February 1987). This report examined safety practices of Australian sports involved in aviation activities.
1989
Going for gold: The first report on an Inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Parliament of Australia, (March 1989). This report focused on high performance sport funding in Australia and made recommendations regarding the role of the Australian Institute of Sport.
Drugs in sport: an interim report, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 1989). This interim report examined allegations of doping practices relating to athletics (track and field) and weightlifting at the Australian Institute of Sport. Recommendations from this report led to the establishment of the Australian Sports Drug Agency.
1990
Drugs in sport. Second report, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 1990). This report (also known as the 'Black Enquiry') included responses to recommendations from the interim report and examined weightlifting, power-lifting, and professional sports in Australia.
Can sport be bought?: Second report on an inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Parliament of Australia, (May 1990). This report (also known as 'Martin Report') focused on sports participation funding, particularly for women and persons with disability. The inquiry also examined tobacco sponsorship of sport.1991
Equine welfare in competitive events other than racing, Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare, Parliament of Australia, (August 1991). This report examined equine welfare at rodeos, camp drafting, eventing, and endurance riding. It did not cover the horse racing industry in Australia.
1992
Physical and sport education. Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (December 1992). This report outlined the state of sport and physical skills in Australian school children, the training of teachers and community sport providers in provision of physical education and sport, and the allocation of resources to physical education and sport in Australian schools.
1994
Inquiry into the Sydney Olympics: the adequacy of existing and planned aviation services and infrastructure, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport, Communication and Infrastructure, Parliament of Australia, (November 1994). This report examined the implications of Sydney hosting the 2000 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games on broadcast spectrums, transmission facilities, aviation infrastructure and land transport.
The Community Cultural, Recreational and Sporting Facilities Program: A review of a report on an efficiency audit by the Auditor-General, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (1994). The report of the efficiency audit of the Community Cultural, Recreational and Sporting Facilities Program dealt with two main issues - the general administration of the program and the accountability of the Minister. The second issue arose because the Minister was responsible for selecting projects to receive funding and there had been allegations that there was a bias towards Labor-held electorates in the allocation of funds. The Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories seemed initially not concerned by the serious criticisms made by the Auditor-General about the general administration of the program. However, during the course of the Committee's review of the audit report, the Secretary of the Department and the Minister gave assurances that the Auditor-General's findings were now largely accepted and that the Department's procedures would be reformed along the lines recommended in the audit report.1995
Soccer: first report, Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (June 1995). This report inquired into player transfers in Australian soccer.
Soccer: second report, Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (November 1995). This report examined the administration of soccer in Australia and followed up recommendations from the first report.
Cashing in on the Olympics: protecting the Olympics from ambush marketing, Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (1995). This report examined the scope of existing protection afforded to the words and symbols associated with the Olympic Games in light of Sydney winning the right to host the 2000 Olympic Games.
Olympics 2000 … and the winner is? House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Parliament of Australia, (1995). This report examined opportunities for Australian industries with Sydney hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Industries covered include: tourism, construction, broadcasting and communications, environmentally sustainable development, sports related industries, and merchandising.1997
Rethinking the funding of community sporting and recreational facilities: a sporting chance, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts, (October 1997). The inquiry found that there was nearly universal support for the Commonwealth Government to re-enter the field of funding sporting and recreational facilities at the community level. It was argued that, because there was a national interest in stimulating sporting and recreational activity, the Commonwealth Government should support this activity.
1998
Government response: Rethinking the funding of community sporting and recreational facilities: a sporting chance, (June 1998). The Commonwealth Government agreed to jointly fund, with the State and Territory governments, a national audit of all sporting and recreational facilities.
2003
Redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, (August 2003). Report into the proposed redevelopment of the AIS Bruce Facility, which was approved.
2006
About time! women in sport and recreation in Australia. Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts, Reference Committee, Parliament of Australia, (September 2006). This Senate inquiry reported on five main issues related to women in sport and recreation: (1) health benefit of sport participation; (2) grass roots participation; (3) elite sport; (4) leadership and governance; and (5) mass media.
2009
The reporting of sports news and the emergence of digital media, Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communication and the Arts, Parliament of Australia, (May 2009). This report examined the nature of sports news reporting in the digital age, in particular the impact of new technologies, video streaming on the Internet, archived photo galleries, and mobile devices. It examined the role of sports organisations in relation to broadcasting.
2013
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill 2013, Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Parliament of Australia, (March 2013). This report includes submissions on proposed amendments to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006. Proposed amendments included: ASADA working more closely with police and intelligence agencies; banning athletes from working with sports professionals involved in doping; and increasing first offence bans from two to four years.
The advertising and promotion of gambling services in sport, Joint Committee on Gambling Reform, Parliament of Australia, (June 2013). Report on the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Advertising for Sports Betting) Bill 2013. This report focused on the advertising and promotion of gambling services in sport.
Sport - more than just a game: contribution of sport to Indigenous wellbeing and mentoring, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Parliament of Australia, (June 2013). This report focused on how sporting bodies can increase opportunities for Indigenous participation; non-government organisations utilising sport as a vehicle to improve health and social outcomes for Indigenous people; and the contribution of Indigenous sporting programs.
Practice of sports science in Australia, Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Parliament of Australia, (July 2013). This report examined the current state of sport science in Australia in terms of accreditation, management of sports scientists by sports organisations, and duty of care and ethical considerations of sport scientists.2016
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse- Case study 39: Sporting clubs and institutions, (April 2016). On Friday 11 January 2013, The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, then Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, appointed a six-member Royal Commission to investigate Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. A public hearing into sporting clubs and institutions was held in April 2016. It was the role of the Royal Commission to uncover where systems had failed to protect children so it could make recommendations on how to improve laws, policies and practices. The Royal Commission investigated how institutions such as schools, churches, sporting bodies and Government organisations had responded to allegations and instance of child abuse.
2017
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Sports Betting Reform) Bill 2015. Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (March 2017). Report from the Committee investigating the Bill that proposed to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to implement harm minimisation measures to help individuals using online sports betting to better control their gambling. The Bill also proposed to establish an Interactive Gambling Regulator and National Self-exclusion Register. The committee concluded that the evidence presented regarding problem gambling, and in particular, problem gambling in the online environment was highly concerning. And that national reform is necessary and should be a priority. However, the committee recommended not passing this specific Bill as it noted the government's commitment to establishing a safe wagering environment for Australians by implementing the recommendations of the O'Farrell review into the Impact of illegal offshore wagering as per the Government response.
2020
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment (Enhancing Australia’s Anti-Doping Capability) Bill 2019, Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (February 2020). The bill responded to recommendations of the 2017 Review of Australia's Sports Integrity Arrangements (Wood Review) that legislative amendments be made to allow ASADA's existing regulatory functions to be carried out more effectively.
2021
Administration of Sports Grants, Senate Select Committee on Administration of Sports Grants, Parliament of Australia, (March 2021). The committee conducted an inquiry into and reported on the administration and allocation of funding under the 'Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program'. Recommendations included the need for better communication with grant applicants, full funding for recommended projects, national policy for sports infrastructure, review of ministerial authority, and mandatory governance training.
2023
Adaptive sport programs for Australian Defence Force veterans, Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (May 2023). The committee conducted an inquiry to examine the role of adaptive sport programs for Australian Defence Force veterans in addressing issues identified by the ongoing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Recommendations propose enhancing veterans' sport with a focus on rehabilitation, aligning policies, reallocating funds, and exploring voucher systems. Collaboration with stakeholders and recognising the Invictus Games as a multi-sport event.
Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (September 2023). The committee's primary focus for the report was to examine concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, while acknowledging that many of these same issues apply to non-contact sports as well. The committee recommended the establishment of a National Sports Injury Database and increased transparency in collecting and sharing concussion data. It also suggested creating independent research pathways, funding ongoing studies, and promoting brain donation for research. Further recommendations included improving community awareness, medical guidelines, and support for current and former athletes affected by concussion and repeated head trauma.2024
Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (2023/2024). The first interim report (September 2023) addressed the immediate concerns around the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and made a total of seven recommendations to the Australian and Queensland Governments. The second interim report (December 2023) addresses the relevant terms of reference with information and evidence acquired to date.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023 [Provisions], Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Parliament of Australia, (April 2024). The report addresses anti-siphoning reforms designed to safeguard free access to televised coverage of nationally significant sporting events.
Federal Government
Federal Sport Portfolio - 1972 to present
The establishment of the Department of Tourism and Recreation by the Whitlam Government (1972-1975) in 1972 was the first instance of an Australian Government department having dedicated responsibility for sport.
Since then, various departments have held the sport portfolio.
- 1972 - 1975 | Tourism and Recreation
- 1976 - 1978 | Environment, Housing and Community Development
- 1978/79 - 1979/80 | Home Affairs
- 1980/81 - 1981/82 | Home Affairs and Environment
- 1982/83 - 1986/87 | Sport, Recreation and Tourism
- 1987/88 - 1991/92 | Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories
- 1992/93 - 1996/97 | Environment, Sport and Territories
- 1997/98 | Industry, Science and Tourism
- 1998/99 - 2000/01 | Industry, Science and Resources
- 2001/02 - 2007/08 | Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
- 2008/09 - 2009/10 | Health and Aging
- 2010/11 | Prime Minister and Cabinet
- 2011/12 - 2012/13 | Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
- 2013/14 - current | Health and Aged Care
Ministers for Sport
List of Australian Government Ministers for Sport - 1972 to present day
- Ministers for Sport [Wikipedia].
Budget documents
Budget documents include Australian Sports Commission, Sport Integrity Australia, Australian Sports Foundation, and the Office for Sport.
- Australian Government Budgets Documents related to Sport (1981/82 to present day)
Federal Government
Diplomacy and international relations
The Australian Government employs sport as a platform to support diplomacy and international relations.
2015
Australian Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2015-18, Australian Government, (2015). This document provided a strategy that focused on the goals of connecting, developing, showcasing, and sustaining new and existing channels of sports support, sports industry partnerships, and international sports networks. The strategy was a whole-of-government approach to maximise people-to-people links and develop cultural, trade, investment, education, and tourism opportunities.
2019
Sport Diplomacy 2030, Australian Government, (2019). This strategy works to bring the Government’s first national sports plan, Sport 2030, to an international stage. Australia recognises the power of sport to bring people and nations together. Sports Diplomacy 2030 envisages closer collaboration between the Australian sports codes, industry and government to leverage the nation’s sporting excellence in ways that enhance Australia’s influence and reputation to advance our national interests.
Programs and initiatives:- Team Up, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A sport for development program comprising more than 30 partnerships across the Asia-Pacific.
- PacificAus Sports. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Creating new opportunities for athletes, coaches and administrators to train, play and grow together.
Federal Government
Broader policy objectives
The Australian Government employs sport as a platform to bolster various public policy goals, including preventative health, wellbeing, and community and urban development.
2008
National Binge Drinking Strategy, Department of Health, (2008-2015). Program involved 16 national sporting organisations tackling binge drinking by providing sporting environments, from national through to community level, that were alcohol-promotion free.
2011
The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 – 2022, Department of Social Services, (February 2011). The national plan sought to engage sporting clubs in actively promoting equal and respectful relationships between women and men. This involved collaborating with sporting codes to develop and implement respectful relationships education for players. Additionally, the plan included providing Local Community Action Grants to encourage zero tolerance through sport.
2012
Racism. It Stops with Me, Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), National Anti-Racism Strategy, (2012-). In partnership with Play by the Rules sport is used as a platform to counter racism.
2024
Vaping education campaign, Department of Health and Aged Care, (February 2024-). The Australian Government’s vaping reforms initiated an influencer-led youth vaping campaign, to spark a conversation with the next generation of Australians about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction. Influencers represent various fields including gaming, comedy, sport, and other lifestyle interests.
State and territory governments
State and territory governments
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Sport and Recreation. The ACT Government Sport and Recreation role is to provide leadership, support and to champion a sport and active recreation sector that is welcoming, progressive and sustainable.
Vision - All Canberrans moving more through sport and active recreation
Mission - To provide leadership, support and to champion a sport and active recreation sector that is welcoming, progressive and sustainable.
ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS). The ACTAS was formed in 1989 as the high performance arm of Sport and Recreation. ACTAS is an endorsed Official Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre providing high performance services and support to ACT elite and developing athletes from a variety of Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.
Vision - The leading high performance daily training environment to enhance talented ACT athletes.
Purpose - To contribute to Australia's high performance sport targets by providing a quality daily training environment that enhances athletic development through providing quality high performance programs and services.
State and territory governments
New South Wales (NSW)
Office of Sport. The Office of Sport is the lead NSW Government agency for sport and active recreation. The Office of Sport aims to increase the levels of physical activity of the people of NSW by providing the leadership, policies, programs, funding and infrastructure necessary to enable higher rates of participation in sport and active recreation.
Vision - Sport and active recreation creating healthier people, connecting communities and making a stronger NSW.
Mission - Building Active Communities.
New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS). Established in 1996, the NSWIS is a high performance sports organisation supporting Australian athletes to become world’s best.
Vision - More NSW athletes representing Australia and winning medals.
Purpose - To support Australian athletes to become world's best.
State and territory governments
Northern Territory (NT)
Sport and active recreation. The NT Government supports the delivery of sport and active recreation services to the community through a suite of grant programs aimed at increasing the number of Territorians who participate in sport and active recreation, and in turn receive physical health, wellbeing, social and community benefits.
Vision - Celebrated Communities, Vibrant Places, Active Territorians.
Mission - Partnering to build safe, strong and proud communities where every Territorian is valued and able to participate.
Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA). Established in 1996, the NTSA aims to support the Northern Territory (NT) sporting community to provide enriching environments that engage, recognise, and empower Territory athletes, coaches, officials and other key support personnel to optimise their potential and enhance their abilities to thrive in their sporting and non-sporting lives.
State and territory governments
Queensland (QLD)
Department of Tourism and Sport. Investing in the community to enrich the Queensland way of life through sport and active recreation.
Vision - Physical activity enriches the Queensland way of life.
Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). Established in 1991, the QAS is the Queensland Government’s high-performance sports agency responsible for preparing Queensland elite athletes, teams and coaches for world class success.
Vision - Inspiring extraordinary sporting success.
Mission 2024 - Optimise athlete performance to enable Queensland's best ever medal contribution.
Mission 2028 - Deliver more medals across more sports.
State and territory governments
South Australia (SA)
Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing [ORSR]. The lead agency for the Government's policy on sport and active recreation, the ORSR supports sport and recreation through the development of policy, programs and resources, the provision of funding, recreation and sport planning, infrastructure development, elite sport pathways and programs, and the promotion of physical activity.
Vision - Active State: Ensure lifelong movement, play and performance is part of our daily routine. Connected Communities: Bring people together to build strong, healthy, safe and more resilient communities. Inspire Performance: Empower people to achieve their sporting dreams.
South Australian Sports Institute (SASI). Established in 1982, the SASI is the high-performance sports hub in South Australia and is committed to a vision of being the heart of South Australia’s sporting success. They support South Australian based coaches and athletes ensuring they have access to world leading coaching, sport science and medicine and facilities to achieve podium performances at World Championships, Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.
State and territory governments
Tasmania (TAS)
Active Tasmania . Active Tasmania (formerly Sport and Recreation) develops and implements policies and initiatives to increase opportunities for all Tasmanians to participate in sport and active recreation. Their aim is to lead and develop a vibrant and inclusive sector by building the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations to provide safe, fair, and inclusive opportunities
Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS). The TIS was established in 1985 by the Tasmanian Government to assist Tasmania's talented athletes achieve excellence in sport.
Vision - To be a world class centre for excellence that delivers Tasmania's largest, most successful cohort of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2032.
Purpose - Developing World Class athletes.
State and territory governments
Victoria (VIC)
Sport and Recreation Victoria . Sport and Recreation Victoria is dedicated to supporting Victoria’s sport and recreation sector and inspiring Victorians to get active.
Vision - To build a thriving, inclusive and connected sport and active recreation sector that benefits all Victorians.
Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). The VIS was established in 1990 by the State Government to assist Victoria’s best athletes achieve national and international success. The VIS provides advanced and specialised coaching, sports science and sports medicine services, career and education advice, and training and competition support.
Vision - Victorians are proud and inspired by our national and international sporting success.
Mission - To provide leadership that enables talented Victorian athletes to excel in sport and life.
State and territory governments
Western Australia (WA)
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Promoting participation and achievement in sport and recreation to support a healthy lifestyle for all Western Australians through physical activity.
Vision - A vibrant, inclusive and resilient WA community.
Mission - To enable dynamic and inclusive communities and support the WA economy.
Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS). Established in 1983, the WAIS has a proud history of supporting Western Australian athletes achieve their sporting dreams.
Vision - Western Australian sporting champions creating community pride and inspiring the next generation.
Purpose - To enable Western Australian athletes to achieve international sporting success.
International
International
Canada
Sport Canada, a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage, is responsible for developing federal sport policy in Canada. It provides leadership and funding to build the Canadian sport system, enabling Canadians to progress from early sport experiences to high-performance excellence.
The Canadian Sport Policy is set to be renewed. This policy helps identify sport priorities in Canada and guides how federal, provincial, and territorial governments advance sport. The current policy has been in effect from 2012 to 2022.
- Canadian Sport Policy 2012, This Policy sets direction for the period 2012-2022 for all governments, institutions and organizations that are committed to realizing the positive impacts of sport on individuals, communities and society.
Other policies and strategies
- Canadian High Performance Sport Strategy, Sport Canada, (2019). Within the Canadian Sport Policy, the High Performance goal states that "Canadians are systematically achieving world-class results at the highest levels of international competition through fair and ethical means".
- A Common Vision for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary living in Canada: Let’s Get Moving, Federal, provincial and territorial governments. (2018). The Common Vision is a collective way forward that guides the country towards ways of increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary living. It is a national policy document that is intended to move the country.
- Actively Engaged: A Policy on Sport for Women and Girls, Sport Canada, (2009). This policy took effect on 1 January 2009, replacing the 1986 Sport Canada Policy on Women in Sport. The policy provides renewed direction for the leadership and programs of Canadian Heritage in promoting and developing a strengthened sport system where women and girls are full, active and valued participants and leaders, experiencing quality sport and equitable support.
- Canadian Policy Against Doping in Sport, Sport Canada, (2011). This policy envisions a Canadian culture of ethical, doping-free sport.
- Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability, Sport Canada, (2006). This policy provides a framework for engaging partners and stakeholders in initiating changes that aim to reduce and ultimately eliminate sport-specific barriers that prevent persons with a disability from participating in sport.
- Sport Canada's Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport, Sport Canada, (2005). This policy aims to ensure that the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy is inclusive; that it has the power to enhance the experience of— and access to— port for all.
- Current priorities in sport policy, Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), (accessed 15 April 2024).
Own the Podium is a not-for-profit organisation that guides investment strategies for National Sport Organisations to enhance Canada's Olympic and Paralympic medal performance. Mainly funded by the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC). Own the Podium was established in 2004 to support high-performance programs.
International
Ireland
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The department oversees the protection and presentation of Ireland’s cultural assets.
- National Sports Policy 2018-2027, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, (2018). The National Sports Policy provides the policy context in which we will operate over the next 10 years. Sport Ireland strongly endorses the National Sports Policy and, as the statutory agency responsible, will have a lead role in many of the key operational and strategic challenges contained within the Policy.
Sport Ireland was established on 1 October 2015. It is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. This includes participation in sport, high performance sport, anti-doping, coaching and the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus.
- Sport Ireland Strategy 2023 - 2027, Sport Ireland. This strategy sets out a five-year vision of how Sport Ireland will lead the sport sector to further develop sport and physical activity in Ireland.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Policy, Sport Ireland. A vision for a diverse and inclusive sector.
- Women in Sport Policy, Sport Ireland. This policy expresses Sport Ireland’s commitment to women in sport.
Previous national strategies
International
New Zealand
Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ) is a kaitiaki (guardian) of play, active recreation, and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand. It supports quality experiences to boost physical activity and wellbeing for all New Zealanders. High Performance Sport NZ, a subsidiary of Sport NZ, leads the high-performance sport system.
- Sport New Zealand 2020-2032 Strategic Direction, Sport NZ, (2020). Sport NZ ‘s vision is simple - to get Every Body Active in Aotearoa New Zealand. How we work towards the long-term goals is outlined in three four-year strategic plans, the first of which covers the period 2020 to 2024. Each strategic plan sets out the key target audience against which we seek to grow participation and the Key Result Areas (KRAs) against which we will measure success.
- 2032 HP System Strategy, High Performance Sport NZ, (2020). The 2032 HP System Strategy is a living roadmap that sets out what the High Performance Sport System as a whole in New Zealand needs to achieve between now and 2032 and how it will go about this. It provides a whole of system view and contains 12 workstreams that span the breadth of the New Zealand High Performance system.
Other policies and strategies
- Every Body Active: strategic plan 2020-2024, Sport NZ, (2020). A vision to get every body active in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa Māori Activation Plan 2021 - 2024, Sport NZ, (2021). A plan to move beyond a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi to action.
- High Performance Sport NZ 2024 Strategy, High Performance Sport NZ, (2024). Sets the vision, targets for the next two Olympic cycles, and outlines the long-term goal of creating one of the world’s leading high performance systems.
International
South Africa
Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. The department is responsible for the growth and administration of sport, arts, and culture in South Africa. Its mission is to create a supportive environment for the sport, arts, and culture sector to encourage an active, creative, and socially united nation. In June 2019, Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) merged into the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
- Strategic Plan 2020-2025, Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, (2020). Over the next five years, the DSAC intends to develop, transform, preserve, protect and promote SAC by providing an enabling environment to foster an active, creative, winning and socially cohesive nation.
Previous national strategies
- Sport and Recreation South Africa Strategic Plan 2015-2020, Sport & Recreation South Africa, (2015)
- National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP), Sport & Recreation South Africa, (2014)
International
United Kingdom (UK)
England
Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The department supports culture, arts, media, sport, tourism and civil society across every part of England.
- School sport and activity action plan, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, (2023). The plan aims to improve the quality of PE and school sport.
- Sport England framework document, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, (2023). This framework document sets out the broad governance framework within which the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Sport England operate.
- Sporting Future - A New Strategy for an Active Nation, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, (2023). This cross-government strategy will tackle head on the flatlining levels of sport participation and high levels of inactivity in this country.
- Get Active: a strategy for the future of sport and physical activity, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, (2023). This strategy sets out how the government will work together with the sector to achieve these aims by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get active.
Sport England. Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England invests in sport and physical activity to make it a normal part of life for everyone in England.
- Uniting the Movement, Sport England, (2021). A 10-year vision (2021-31) to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.
Northern Ireland
Department for Communities. The department is responsible for the central administration and promotion of sport in Northern Ireland and the administration of Sport NI.
- Active Living More People, More Active, More of the Time, Department for Communities, (2022). The Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Northern Ireland. This strategy sets out a new shared sporting vision of ‘a lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity’ over a period of the next 10 years that aims to deliver an active, healthy, resilient and inclusive society which recognises and values participation and excellence.
Sport Northern Ireland. Is the leading public body for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. They distribute funds on behalf of the Exchequer and The National Lottery.
- The Power of Sport: Corporate Plan 2021-26, Sport Northern Ireland, (2021). By 2026, the department wants everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the transformative power of sport. It aims to optimise sport's potential to improve lives.
Scotland
sportscotland. sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland. Its vision is for an active Scotland where everyone gains from participating in sport. It is a non-departmental public body accountable to the Scottish Parliament through ministers. sportscotland also acts as a distributor of National Lottery Funds, operating under National Lottery distribution rules.
- Sport for Life: A vision for sport in Scotland, sportscotland, (2019). The vision is for an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport.
- Business Plan 2023, sportscotland, (2023). The business plan for 2023 and beyond outlines how the organisation will fulfill its commitment to its corporate strategy.
Wales
Sport Wales. Sport Wales is the national body responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales. It advises the Welsh Government on sport and works with them to achieve the Vision for Sport in Wales. Sport Wales also distributes National Lottery grants to support the success of sport.
- Embracing the Vision for Sport in Wales: the new Sport Wales Strategy, Sport Wales. The vision is to create an active nation. We want as many people as possible to be inspired to be active through sport.
- Vision for Sport, Sport Wales. The Vision for Sport seeks to transform Wales into an Active Nation following conversations with individuals from every part of the country.
- Intergenerational Review of Australian Sport, BCG Consulting for the Australian Sports Commission, p.42, (2017)
- Australian sport: a profile, Australian Government Publishing Service, (1985)
- 'Life. Be in it.' Launch, National Museum Australia, (accessed 20 March 2024)
- Oxford Companion to Australian Sport (2nd edition), Oxford University, (1994)
- Fit for purpose: Australia’s National Fitness Campaign, Julie Collins and Peter Lekkas, Medical Journal of Australia, (2011)
- Australia at the 1980 Summer Olympics, Wikipedia, (accessed 3 April 2024).
- Annual Report 1990-91, Australian Sports Drug Agency, (1991).
- More than sunshine and vegemite: success the Australian way, Jim Feguson, Halstead Press, (2006). (pg. 95)
Last updated: 16 April 2024
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