Government achieves anti-doping governance reform

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30 October 2009

Minister for Sport Kate Ellis says the Government has acted to keep Australia on the frontline of global efforts to stamp out drug cheats in sport.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill has now passed Federal Parliament. The passage of the Bill means that governance arrangements for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) can be strengthened and provide a surer footing.

ASADA is the central agency for anti-doping efforts in Australia. It detects drug cheats and discourages drug use by athletes through education, testing, investigation and enforcement.

"Drug cheats have no place in sport and ASADA is working hard to make sure they are not welcome in the Australian sporting arena," Ms Ellis said.

"Sport is part of the Australian psyche and we’re proud of our athletic icons. We don’t want drugs to tarnish the great contribution that elite sport makes to our nation.”

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill reflects the recommendations of the independent review of ASADA in late 2008.

These changes provide new structural and governance arrangements to ensure the efficacy of ASADA's anti-doping programs, now and into the future.

The Bill also establishes a new independent Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel. The Panel will decide alleged breaches and recommend follow-up action and sanctions.

The Bill also gives effect to incidental changes to bring the ASADA Act into line with the World Anti-Doping Code, which came into effect 1 January 2009.

“A strong anti-doping system protects the integrity of our sporting competitions and shields our athletes from the harmful health effects of using banned substances."

“I thank Parliamentarians from all degrees of the political spectrum for their support for these important governance reforms,” Ms Ellis said.

“Members and Senators can be confident that their backing for these changes puts Australia in a stronger position to fight doping in local sport and on the world stage.”

Press Secretary: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@deewr.gov.au