Australian Sport Policy

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. ²

• 1976

  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). ²

• 1979

  The National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) was launched on 25 July 1979. The NCAS was expanded in 1994 to include officiating programs, the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). Both NCAS and NOAS were retired in September 2017.

• 1980

  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. ⁶

• 1981

  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. ²

• 1983

  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. ⁸

• 1985

  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.

  In 1994 the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) was expanded to include officiating through the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). Both NCAS and NOAS were retired in September 2017.

• 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

  On 18 February 2025, the Hon Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games introduced the Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025 into the Queensland Parliament. The objective of the Bill is to establish the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) as a statutory body, commencing 1 July 2025.

  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.

  In September 2017 the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS) were retired as part of a shift to the ASC providing guidance to NSOs rather than enforcing compliance in the development of coaching and officiating development.

• 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.

  To assist with implementation of Sports Diplomacy 2030 the Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council was established. The 15-member Council was made up of former sporting champions, senior sports administrators, sports media representatives and two ex-officio members.

• 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 (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. A fit for purpose Australian Institute of Sport: An Independent Review, (May 2024).
  
  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.
  
  On 10 May 2024, it was announced that the Australian Government would invest $249.7 million to upgrade the AIS's facilities in Bruce, ensuring they are modern and fit-for-purpose for Australia's elite and aspiring athletes.
  
  In June 2024 the Australian Government announced that the Sports Diplomacy Consultative Group would replace the Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council. An Annual Sports Diplomacy Roundtable and updating the Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy were also included in the announcement.
  
  In October 2024 the Sport Horizons - National Sport Strategy 2024-2024 was launched by the Australian Government, setting a shared vision for creating healthy, active, connected communities and a thriving sport system over the next decade.

• 2025

  On 18 February 2025, the Hon Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games introduced the Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025 into the Queensland Parliament. The objective of the Bill is to establish the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) as a statutory body, commencing 1 July 2025.

  On 28 February 2025, the Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2032+ was released by the Australian Government. The strategy presents a new game plan to strengthen Australia’s global influence through sport. It provides sporting organisations with expert guidance and sets refreshed goals to capitalise on rising international interest during the ‘green and gold decade’ leading to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  On 3 March 2025 the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) published the Sport Integrity Australia’s Management of the National Anti-Doping Scheme report. The audit provides assurance to the Parliament as to whether Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) had established effective anti-doping governance arrangements and is effectively managing the National Anti-Doping Scheme. SIA agreed to all seven of the ANAO recommendations.

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.

• 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, Australian Government, (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.

• 2024

  Sport Horizon - National Sport Strategy 2024-2034, Australian Government, (2024). Developed with and for the sport sector, the latest National Sport Strategy sets the priorities for sport in Australia over the next decade. It provides a framework to align our focus, efforts and resources, to realise our shared vision of healthy, active, connected communities and a thriving sport system.

• 2025

  Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2032+, Australian Government, (2025). Outlines a new game plan to enhance Australia’s global influence through sport. It offers expert guidance to sporting organisations and sets refreshed goals to leverage growing international interest during the ‘green and gold decade’ leading to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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.

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

List of Australian Government Ministers for Sport - 1972 to present day

• Ministers for Sport [Wikipedia].

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)

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.

• 2025

  Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2032+, Australian Government, (2025). Outlines a new game plan to enhance Australia’s global influence through sport. It offers expert guidance to sporting organisations and sets refreshed goals to leverage growing international interest during the ‘green and gold decade’ leading to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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.