Chapter 1.8: Sustaining the Funding Base for Sport

8.1 The Australian Government should maintain sport funding at current levels and should consider supplementing this funding on the basis of the agreed targets for high performance and participation outlined in the national sports policy framework.

Government Response

Supported.

The Australian Government has not only maintained current funding levels but has provided an additional $195 million over four years to address the urgent issues facing sport in the current environment.

This will be complemented by the Australian Sports Commission adopting a whole-of-sport approach with a focus on enhancing sporting participation and pathways for the benefit of health, productivity, social inclusion as well as maintaining Australia’s international success.

This approach not only delivers on the Australian Government’s commitment to boost funding to both community and elite sport, but also – for the first time – delivers a significant investment in the development pathway, the vital missing link that connects grassroots and high performance sport, and provides further opportunities to grow participation.

8.2 The Australian Government should provide to the new Australian Institutes of Sport (AIsS) at least the existing level of funding allocated to the Australian Institute of Sport by the Australian Sports Commission and the combined allocation of state and territory governments to the state and territory institutes and academies of sport.

Government Response

Supported in Part.

The Australian Government notes that this recommendation was made in the context of Recommendation 3.1. Noting this, the Government is committed to working with state and territory governments to ensure close collaboration for the benefit of sport, that doesn’t encourage cost shifting in jurisdictions.

8.3 The Australian Government should not introduce a HECS-style contribution scheme for graduates of the existing Australian Institute of Sport, state and territory institutes and academies of sport or the new Australian Institutes of Sport (AIsS), but rather it should introduce a scheme that requires graduates from these institutions to donate time and/or expertise to the Australian sport system.

Government Response

Supported in Principle.

In recognition of the unique role that athletes play in our community in inspiring our nation, especially our kids, the Government will implement two new initiatives:

• Require AIS scholarship holders to volunteer at local community sporting clubs or junior sport programs in the capacity of coach, official or administrator to support grassroots sport development
• In recognition of the unique role that sports people play in Australia, the Australian Government will, for the first time, establish resources within the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to connect retired and current athletes with charity, government or non-government organisations delivering a range of initiatives that aim to strengthen our community.

Under the initiative the ASC will provide a mechanism for athletes to register their interest and provide a matchmaking service with relevant programs.

8.4 The Australian Government should not introduce a national sports lottery at this stage, but should negotiate with state and territory governments to provide a share of existing lottery revenue for sport and recreation facilities and programs.

Government Response

Supported in Part.

The Australian Government agrees that a national sports lottery is not warranted at this stage.

8.5 The Australian Government should review the governance and structural and operational arrangements of the Australian Sports Foundation, to raise awareness within the community of the opportunity offered by the Australian Sports Foundation for fundraising and to provide easy access to the Australian Sports Foundation by community groups.

Government Response

Supported.

The Australian Government supports a review of the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) with a view to improving awareness of, simplifying access to, and enhancing the services of the ASF for all sporting organisations and individuals.

8.6 The Australian Sports Commission in conjunction with the Department of Health and Ageing should explore the viability of tax rebates, vouchers or another system designed to reduce the cost of participation, and the likely contribution of such schemes to increasing participation levels.

Government Response

Not Supported.

The Australian Government does not support this recommendation and considers that direct support through specific purpose programs is a preferable approach at this time.

However, we note that Australian Sport: The Pathway to Success will contribute to the reduction of the cost of participation for Australian families through:

• Funding to national sporting organisations (NSOs) to deliver direct financial assistance to support community clubs to implement participation initiatives
• Doubling the Local Sporting Champions program to provide financial support to 4,000 more young Australians and their families to help our junior athletes attend competitions across Australia.