Outcome 15: Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians > Performance Information

Result: Indicator substantially met.

Ten new projects were supported by the Anti-Doping Research Program in 2007–08, eight of which will advance knowledge in the detection of substances and methods on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. The projects funded were in line with the research priorities published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, contributing to the global development of new or improved detection tests.

Two additional projects focused on improving deterrence through social research into athlete behaviour, the results of which will inform strategic anti-doping initiatives in the future.

Result: Indicator met.

National Recreational Safety Organisations initiatives funded by the Government in 2007–08 were delivered in a timely and effective manner. These programs contributed to a continuing downward trend in the number of aquatic and skiing accidents and deaths in Australia . The national drowning rate has steadily decreased from 2.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 1992 to 1.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2006–07. Government support contributes to the coordinated national efforts of the peak water safety organisations in developing and delivering effective water safety programs.

Result: Indicator met.

The Department executed 17 (85%) new funding agreements in 2007–08. Three additional (15%) funding agreements could not be executed as the proponents were unable or not ready to proceed with the project.

These funding agreements support increased participation in and promotion of sport and recreational activities. For example, funding for the Leichhardt Oval in Balmain will allow a greater use of the oval by a range of community and sporting groups and the Community Street Soccer Program brings together homeless and marginalised people for weekly training and matches around the country.

During 2007–08, the Department continued the administration of a further 19 funding agreements that had been executed during previous financial years. Final reports for 13 of these older funding agreements will be delivered in 2008–09.

Result: Indicator met.

In 2007–08 approximately 73,000 Indigenous Australians actively participated in an Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program activity. Over 500 activities were held nationally, attracting approximately 39,000 Indigenous males and 34,000 Indigenous females. Program participants ranged in age and ability; approximately 15,000 adults and 58,000 youths participated in program activities, plus 27 disabled adults and 85 disabled youths.

The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program improved access to sport and physical recreation activities for 110 Indigenous communities, through the delivery of 130 sport and recreation projects. Over 100 Indigenous organisations operating in urban, rural and remote areas received direct funding and support under the program in 2007–08.

A total of 641 Indigenous athletes (342 males and 299 females) received travel and accommodation support to attend Australian Sports Commission recognised national and international sporting competitions in 2007–08. Recipients came from regional, country and metropolitan areas
(56% metropolitan and 44% country/regional). Total expenditure for travel and accommodation support was $601,242, at an average of $938 per recipient.

The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program provided direct support to 23 Indigenous Sport Development Officers throughout South Australia , Western Australia , New South Wales , Tasmania , Victoria , Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory . Through collaboration with relevant parties and support of the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program, 517 sport and physical recreation programs were developed by Indigenous Sport Development Officers in 2007–08, benefiting over 30,000 Indigenous Australians.

Result: Indicator met.

Ministers were satisfied with the advice provided by the Department for Australian Government decision-making. This is on par with ministerial satisfaction in 2006–07.

Result: Indicator met.

In developing the Government's policy framework, the Department sourced information from previous Government inquiries, data on physical activity and obesity levels, as well as comparative data from other countries. The Department also researched base parameters to inform the development of the Local Sporting Champions program.

Result: Indicator not met.

There was a -21.86% variance in 2007–08. The underspend in the Anti-Doping Research Program was due to delays in finalising funding arrangements for a number of projects. The administrative changes arising from the move of sport into the Health portfolio also caused delays as new systems were set up. This is not expected to be an issue in the future.

Another challenge was finalising funding for three sporting facilities projects, totalling $31 million. The respective projects were not sufficiently advanced for the execution of funding agreements. It is expected that the majority of these agreements will be executed in the 2008–09 financial year.

Result: Indicator substantially met.

The Department worked with experts in the illicit drug field as well as with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on the development of the Government's illicit drugs in sport policy. Similarly, experts in the alcohol field were consulted on the development of the Club Champions component of the National Binge Drinking initiative, as well as the Australian Sports Commission and national sporting organisations.