The Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $155 million commitment to sport, outlined in the October Budget that will bolster the ‘green and gold decade’ building towards Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games. 

The investment into major sporting events and sports participation programs will be critical to ensure Australia fully leverages the opportunities a home Olympic & Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games present. 

It also includes ongoing safeguarding of the integrity of Australian sport by providing funding for Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) to continue its critical functions.

Consistent investment in sports under the Australian Government’s National Sport Plan, Sport 2030, promotes a strong economy and healthy communities. The social connections provided by sport bring Australians together, contributing to improved health and well-being outcomes in line with the Long Term National Health Plan.

Confederation of Australian Sport CEO, said the significant investment from the Federal Government is welcome news for all Australians. 

“The Confederation of Australian Sport welcomes many of the $155 million in measures announced in the October Federal Budget to increase the health and wellbeing of Australians through sport,” he said. 

“CAS applauds the funding for programs and legacy initiatives that will support inclusive participation from disability, indigenous and CALD communities across Australia as well as provide greater opportunities for women and girls,” said Bradley. 

“In particular CAS welcomes the continuing commitment to secure major international sporting events through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics as the ‘green and gold decade’,” said Bradley. 

When broken down the $155 million investment will include: 

• $10.7 million over two years to maximize social, economic and sporting outcomes from the green and gold decade of major sporting events, and leveraging significant legacy initiatives including:
  •  $2.6 million for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, to increase basketball participation amongst Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and to implement a National Multicultural Program for basketball.
  • $4.4 million for the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2022, to support the implementation of a multicultural strategic framework, including participation in legacy programs.
  •  $3.1 million for the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup 2023, for female football participation programs including Miniroos for Girls and Football Your Way.
  •  $400,000 for the World Transplant Games 2023, to promote the importance of organ and tissue donation.
  • Support for the delivery of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup and related legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific region.

• $96.2 million over four years to fund and build upon proven and successful participation programs delivered by the Australian Sports Commission that inform and increase participation in sport, including:
  • $10.3 million over two years to continue the delivery of national sport participation programs targeted at populations currently physically inactive or individuals who have ‘dropped out’ of sport
  • $3.4 million over four years to continue AusPlay, Australia’s national population survey, which tracks the sport and physical activity behaviours of all Australians, and identifies emerging trends such as the impact of COVID-19 on participation in sports and physical activity, and
  • $2.8 million over four years for the ongoing development of the National Sport Injury Database, which collects and analyses required data to inform safer practices in community sports and contribute to injury prevention.
  • The Australian Government is investing $79.6 million in the extension of the Sporting Schools program for an additional two years, to support children to be physically active and enjoy the multiple benefits of sport participation

• $10.6 million over three years to Paralympics Australia to prepare and support the Australian Paralympic Team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
  • $27.3 million over two years to maintain the integrity of sport in Australia including:
    • $19.8 million to enable SIA to continue ensuring sport in Australia is both safe and fair with a focus on the National Integrity Framework, anti-doping measures, anti-match-fixing regulations and education of sport participants, and
    • $7.5 million to the WADA-accredited Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL) to conduct an anti-doping sample analysis.

• The Australian Government is investing $10.3 million to promote and create leadership and long-term senior career pathways for women and girls in sports including:
  • $6.3 million over three years for an expanded Women Coaches Program to identify, develop and empower more than 200 women coaches per year from grassroots to elite, and
  • $4.1 million over four years for Community Sports Leaders, to implement women’s leadership programs at the community level.

Sport and recreation are integral to Australian communities, helping to strengthen social connections, improve health outcomes and support local economies. Australia’s involvement in major sporting events will ensure the social, economic and sporting benefits of hosting major sporting events are realised for Australia and all Australians. The coming 10 years will mark the green and gold decade where Australia will play host to many of the world’s most prestigious, high-profile and significant sporting events, culminating in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Additional funding for the Paralympic Team will ensure they have the best support to prepare for and compete safely at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, continuing to inspire Australians to participate in sports and physical activity.