Annual Report - Outcome 15 – Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sports by All Australians

Table of contents

Part 3: Management Arrangements

Part 4: Accountability Reporting

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Outcome Summary

Outcome 15 aims to support sport, particularly at the community level, and increase Australians’ participation in physical and recreational activities to promote physical and mental health. It contributes to a competitive and clean Australian sports sector, based on excellence, integrity and leadership. The Department worked to achieve this outcome by managing initiatives under the program outlined below.

Program Administered Under Outcome 15 (Program Objectives in 2008–09)

Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation

Support sport and recreational projects from grassroots to elite levels.
Facilitate access to sporting and recreational opportunities for target groups such as people with disability, mental health issues, and social and economic isolation.
Help detect and deter doping.
Promote water and snow safety.

This chapter reports on the major activities undertaken by the Department during the year, addressing each of the key strategic directions and performance indicators published in the Outcome 15 chapters of the 2008–09 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and 2008–09 Health and Ageing Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. It also includes a table summarising the estimated and actual expenditure for this outcome.

Outcome 15 was managed in 2008–09 by the Population Health Division.

Major Achievements for the Outcome:

Established and supported the Independent Sport Panel which is to make recommendations on the specific structures, programs and reforms required to ensure the continuing robustness of the Australian sport system (see Increasing Participation in Sport and Physical Activity, and Improving Water and Snow Safety);
Contributed to increasing active participation in sport through funding the development of 105 sport and recreation facilities across the broad community and a further 122 projects to community groups and organisations in remote, rural and urban regions to increase Indigenous Australians’ participation in physical activity (see Increased Active Participation of Indigenous Australians in Sport and Recreation).
Enabled the Football Federation of Australia to begin the process to bid to host the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, in 2018 or 2022 (see Key Fact for 2008–09: FIFA World Cup Bid); and
Undertook a review of the governance and structure of the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority and started implementing appropriate reforms to ensure the authority continues to effectively perform its anti-doping functions (see Supporting Sports Agencies to Improve Sporting Competitiveness and Integrity).

A Challenge for the Outcome:

Sporting Organisations’ project planning was not sufficiently advanced to allow for ten sporting facilities to enter into funding agreements (see Supporting Sport and Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure).

Key Strategic Directions for 2008–09 – Major Activities

Increasing Participation in Sport and Physical Activity, and Improving Water and Snow Safety

Increasing the community’s participation in sport will improve public health outcomes. The Department worked to improve public health by developing national strategies to encourage, facilitate and support regular physical activities, address the decline in participation in sport in traditional settings, and increase water and snow safety.

Addressing the Decline of Sport in Traditional Settings and Decreases in Active Play

In 2008–09, the Department undertook initiatives aimed at improving participation rates in targeted groups and the community in general. The Department supported initiatives to encourage homeless and marginalised people to participate, increase their physical activity, and increase their social contact, for example ‘community street soccer’ and RecLink.

In recognition of the importance that sport and physical activity plays in building healthy communities, the Government commissioned the Independent Sport Panel to assess the structure and capability of the Australian sports system as a whole, to deliver nationally desirable sport outcomes from social, community and elite levels. The Independent Sport Panel was established in August 2008 and conducted an extensive consultation process in 2008–09. This included a number of forums (13) in metropolitan and regional centres to provide those involved in community sport with the opportunity to raise issues relating to grassroots sport participation. It also held a series of meetings (71) and received submissions (215) from stakeholders. The Department provided secretariat services for the panel throughout 2008–09.

In 2008–09, the Department worked with various community sporting groups in attracting and organising a number of international events such as the World Masters Games (scheduled for Sydney in October 2009) and the World Sailing Championships (scheduled for Perth in 2011).

The Department supported the performance of Australia’s men’s and women’s football teams on the international stage and the development of grassroots football through funding of $8 million to the Football Federation of Australia.
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Water and Snow Safety

By increasing the safety of water and snow based activities, the Department aims to encourage participation and improve the health outcomes for those taking up these pursuits. In 2008–09, the Department worked with peak water safety organisations, including the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, the Surf Life Saving Society of Australia and AUSTSWIM, to reduce the incidence of water deaths and accidents. The Department supported the key water safety organisation to meet the objectives of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008–11 (available at www.ilsf.org) developed by the Australian Water Safety Council. The strategy seeks to reduce drowning deaths by 50 per cent by the year 2020 through programs and projects that target at-risk groups, such as children under five and males aged 18 to 34 years who use alcohol.

Funding for the above activities was sourced from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.

Supporting Sport and Recreation Facilities and Infrastructure

Improving facilities can invigorate community sport and recreation activities at a grassroots level and increase physical activity. In 2008–09, the Department supported the expansion, improvement or construction of over 100 small to large sport and recreation facilities such as the Hidden Valley International Dragstrip in the Northern Territory, the Cataract Gorge walkways in Tasmania and the Perth Football Club. These projects will increase the capacity of organisations to attract and retain community involvement in sport and recreation. The Department worked with organisations to develop their project plans. A challenge occurred when plans were not sufficiently advanced enough for ten projects, including the Penrith Valley Sports Hub and the Gladstone hockey field upgrade, for the Department to enter into funding agreements in 2008–09.

Funding for the above activities was sourced from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.

Ensuring National Anti-doping Efforts Reflect the World Anti-doping Program

By aligning Australia’s anti-doping efforts with the world anti-doping program, Australian athletes can compete with confidence knowing that they are subject to the same anti-doping rules, sanctions and procedures as their rivals. In 2008–09, the Department demonstrated its commitment to cooperate internationally in the fight against doping in sport through its continued financial contribution to the administration costs for the World Anti-Doping Agency and the UNESCO voluntary fund ($50,000) to assist developing countries to implement anti-doping programs.

Promotion of International Cooperation

In 2008–09, the Department administered funding to assist with the administrative costs of the World Anti‑Doping Agency, which harmonises anti-doping efforts in sport; and to help developing countries to implement anti-doping programs under the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport.

The Department worked with the New Zealand Department of Sport and Recreation to encourage Oceania governments to commit to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport. The Department also worked to encourage Oceania countries to adopt the revised World Anti-Doping Code, which came into effect on 1 January 2009. The revised code: protects athletes’ fundamental rights to participate in doping-free sport; promotes health, fairness and equality; and provides harmonised, coordinated and effective detection and deterrence anti-doping programs.

Anti-doping Research

During 2008–09, the Department, through the Anti-Doping Research Program, administered funding to academic and scientific organisations to undertake new anti-doping research. As doping substances and methods become more sophisticated and less detectable, the role of anti-doping research in ensuring that anti-doping programs are efficient and effective, becomes increasingly important. Fourteen new projects were funded under the program this year, including projects related to Erythropoietin doping and attitudes to doping across sport and the community.

In 2009–10, the Department will continue to support research that focuses on how to better detect banned substances, and improve understanding of doping behaviours.

Funding for the above activities was sourced from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
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Increased Active Participation of Indigenous Australians in Sport and Recreation

Sport can play an important role in improving health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, and address broader social issues, such as low school attendance rates and interaction with the judicial system. Sport and recreation programs attempt to address Indigenous disadvantage and can have a positive impact on physical and mental health; community and educational involvement; and provide positive alternatives to anti-social activities. In 2008–09, the Department helped Indigenous Australians to become more involved in healthy activity by managing initiatives under the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program.

In 2008–09, the Department managed annual grants to over 100 organisations, and received and assessed applications for programs to be funded in 2009–10.

Through a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Sports Commission, the Department contributed to the employment of Indigenous Sport and Recreation Development Officers, and the operation of the Elite Indigenous Travel and Accommodation Assistance Program which provides financial assistance to selected Indigenous athletes to be involved in, and travel to, national championships and international sporting competitions.

The Department also oversaw the creation of 84 sport and recreation jobs in the Northern Territory and commenced creation of 76 similar jobs in other parts of Australia.

Funding for the above activities was sourced from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.

Supporting Sports Agencies to Improve Sporting Competitiveness and Integrity

People will become more interested in participating in sport and recreation when they see that athletes take part in sports that are competitive and drug free. The Department ensured that legislation and regulations were consistent with policies and supported educational and preventative activities targeting the use of illicit drugs in sport.

Legislation and Regulations

In 2008–09, the Department ensured that existing legislation and regulations were consistent with sport policies and monitored compliance with the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006. A major achievement occurred when the Department reviewed the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s governance arrangements and structure, to ensure that the most effective arrangements were in place to meet future challenges and the needs of the revised World Anti-Doping Code. The Department also established a revised set of arrangements that will require amendments to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s enabling legislation.

Addressing Illicit Drug Use in Sport

An achievement was the development of the Illicit Drugs in Sport National Education and Prevention Action Plan. Developed in partnership with national sporting organisations and experts in the drug and alcohol field, the plan provides the framework for education and prevention initiatives to be taken by sporting organisations. It also promotes anti-drug messages to the broader community through the vehicle of sport. In 2009–10, eligible national sporting organisations will be able to apply for Government funding for testing as well as education and prevention initiatives.

Funding for the above activities was sourced from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.

Key Fact for 2008–09: FIFA World Cup Bid

Hosting a FIFA World Cup would boost tourism, employment and act as a catalyst for investment in infrastructure such as stadiums. It also develops the sport at the national level.

In 2008–09, the Department managed the Government’s support for the Football Federation of Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was launched on 14 June 2009.

Australia’s bid is in competition with 10 other bids from 12 countries (England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, the United States of America, Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal). The decision on who will host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups will be made by the FIFA Executive in December 2010.

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Performance Information for Outcome 15 Administered Programs

Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation
Indicator:	The extent to which funded research projects meet the needs of anti-doping organisations, anti-doping laboratories and others in the sphere of anti-doping. Measured by the number of projects supported. The extent to which Australia is able to contribute to international anti-doping initiatives as measured by the number of commitments fulfilled within agreed timeframes.
Reference Point/Target:	Number of projects funded meet objectives within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The Department supported 14 new projects through the Anti‑Doping Research Program in 2008‑09: nine will advance knowledge in the detection of prohibited substances and methods; and five will improve deterrence through understanding a range of factors that influence athlete behaviour.
Indicator:	The extent to which the National Recreation Safety Program supports the water and snow safety initiatives of the National Safety Organisation. The extent to which funding from the program contributes to an enhancement of water and snow safety in Australia.
Reference Point/Target:	A continuing downward trend in the number of deaths from water and snow related accidents.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The Department supported water and snow safety initiatives of the National Safety Organisation through the National Recreation Safety Program. In 2008–09, there was a downward trend in the number of people drowning each year, based on the most recent data as shown in Figure 2.3.15.1: the drowning death rate has steadily reduced to 1.23 per 100,000 people in 2007–08, from 1.6 per 100,000 in 2002–03; and there were 261 unintentional (that is accidental) drowning deaths in Australian waterways for 2007–08, a decrease of four on 2006–07 and 27 below the five year average. There is no available data on the number of deaths from snow related accidents. The Department is working with the Australian Ski Patrol Association on mechanisms to collate this information.

Figure 2.3.15.1: Unintentional Drowning Death Rate per 100,000

Source: National Drowning Report 2008 (Royal Life Saving Society of Australia), available at www.royallifesaving.com.au.

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Indicator:	The development of a stronger sports sector and greater participation in sport resulting from facilities funding initiatives. Measured by the effectiveness of Government financial support for the development of sporting facilities.
Reference Point/Target:	Number of projects completed within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
In 2008–09, a majority of the sport and recreation facilities projects funded through the Department progressed well according to their project milestones. In many cases, improvements to sport facilities were in place prior to the commencement of the active sport season or, in the case of recreation, prior to peak spring/summer recreation activities. During the year 29 out of 42 projects were completed within agreed timeframes, and 90 new funding agreements were executed. This compares with the 17 funding agreements established in 2007–08. Weather events such as extended floods in Queensland, or delays in receipt of construction materials or gaining development approvals, meant that some facilities were not able to meet their projected construction timeframes. However, the Department has been advised that all delayed projects are expected to proceed in 2009–10.
Indicator:	The extent to which the objectives of the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program are met by the activities funded under the program.
Reference Point/Target:	Participant numbers, as determined in negotiations of the Program Funding Agreements and through activities coordinated by Indigenous Sport Development Officers, are achieved.
Result: Indicator partially met.
Limitations in the quality of data provided by grant recipients make it difficult to assess the outcome of the program in these terms. The Department is seeking to improve the quality of reporting.
Indicator:	The National RecLink Program is completed and payments are made.
Reference Point/Target:	Projects are completed within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator met.
In 2008–09, the Department negotiated a funding agreement with RecLink Australia which aims to increase the number of RecLink sport and recreation programs and activities, and the number of disadvantaged people accessing these programs by 2012. The first progress report was not due until 30 July 2009.
Indicator:	Funding agreements for the World Masters Games are executed and the project meets the Government’s objective to promote sport and recreation for older Australians.
Reference Point/Target:	Project meets milestones identified in the funding agreement.
Result: Indicator met.
The funding agreement was executed in 2007–08. All milestones identified in the agreement were met and the Department is working with the organising committee on opportunities before and after the event for the Government to promote messages encouraging adult Australians to participate more in physical activity. These messages will be broadcast before and during the event.
Indicator:	Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Australian Sports Commission executed to deliver agreed outcomes.
Reference Point/Target:	Funding is provided within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator met.
The Department provided funding to the Australian Sports Commission on acceptance of satisfactory six-monthly reports and in line with agreed timeframes.

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Performance Information for Outcome 15 Departmental Outputs

Output Group 1 – Policy Advice
Indicator:	Quality, relevant and timely advice for Australian Government decision-making measured by ministerial satisfaction.
Reference Point/Target:	Ministerial satisfaction.
Result: Indicator met.
Ministers were satisfied with the quality, relevance and timeliness of advice provided for Australian Government decision-making.
Indicator:	Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.
Reference Point/Target:	Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.
Result: Indicator met.
During 2008–09, the Department completed all evidence-based policy research work in a timely manner. For example, the Department commissioned research on the use of illicit drugs among elite athletes across a range of sports, as well as on knowledge of and attitudes towards illicit drugs. That information was produced in a timely manner and used to inform the development of the Illicit Drugs in Sport – National Education and Prevention Action Plan.

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Output Group 2 – Program Management
Indicator:	Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5% from budgeted expenses measured by comparison of actual expenses against budget.
Reference Point/Target:	0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
Result: Indicator not met.
The actual Administered expenses for Outcome 15 were 15.25% less than budgeted expenses. This was primarily due to unforeseeable delays which disrupted project schedules, and longer than expected negotiations to finalise funding agreements. For example, some facility projects were delayed due to severe weather and others due to difficulties in gaining local government planning approvals.
Indicator:	Stakeholders participate in program development through a range of avenues such as surveys, conferences, meetings, and submissions on departmental discussion papers.
Reference Point/Target:	Stakeholders participate in program development.
Result: Indicator met.
In 2008–09, the Department provided secretariat services to the Independent Sport Panel. The panel: conducted 13 public forums, seeking feedback on community sport; held 71 meetings with key stakeholders; and received over 210 submissions from the general public and stakeholders as part of its investigation and assessment of Australia’s sporting system. The Department also worked with select national sporting organisations, the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the Australian National Council on Drugs in the development of the Government’s Illicit Drugs in Sport National Education and Prevention Action Plan.

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Outcome 15 – Financial Resources Summary

	(A) Budget Estimate 2008–09 $’000	(B) Actual 2008–09 $’000	Variation (Column B minus Column A) $’000	Budget Estimate 2009–10 $’000
Program 15.1: Sport and Recreation
Administered Items
Annual Appropriation Bill 1 (Ordinary Annual Services)	86,901	72,081	(14,820)	84,435
Annual Appropriation Bill 2 (Other Services)	10,300	10,300	-	2,300
Departmental Outputs
Annual Appropriation Bill 1 (Ordinary Annual Services)	8,679	9,223	544	8,091
Revenues from other sources	470	321	(149)	477
Subtotal for Program 15.1	106,350	91,925	(14,425)	95,303
Total Resources for Outcome 15	106,350	91,925	(14,425)	95,303
Outcome 15 Resources by Departmental Output Group
Department of Health and Ageing
Output Group 1: Policy Advice	4,584	4,815	231	4,322
Output Group 2: Program Management	4,565	4,729	164	4,245
Total Departmental Resources	9,149	9,544	395	8,567
Average Staffing Level (Number)	55	52	(3)	53

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