How we support sport

Consultation and engagement

We consult the Australian public about issues that affect sport and health.

Consultation about the review of the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 closed on 28 June 2024. Read the issues paper on our consultation hub.

National Sport Strategy

The Australian Government has developed the new National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon. It provides a foundation for coordinated action across sport and government to deliver high quality policies and programs.

Sport Horizon sets the priorities for sport in Australia over the next decade, including:

• participation
• inclusion
• safety
• high performance
• international engagement
• economy and environment.

Major sporting events

The Office for Sport coordinates the Australian Government’s involvement in the bidding and hosting of major international sporting events of national significance. 

The Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework includes more information about why we support these events.

Policy work

Sports diplomacy

Our Sports Diplomacy 2030 plan uses our sporting excellence to enhance Australia’s reputation and build closer international ties. The strategy is a collaboration between the Australian sports codes, industry and government.

Sports integrity

We responded to the Report of the Review of Australia’s Sports Integrity Arrangements (Wood Review) by setting up Sport Integrity Australia. This body addresses threats to the integrity of sport.

National Sports Tribunal

The National Sports Tribunal was also set up in response to the Wood Review. The tribunal offers independent, cost-effective dispute resolution services to sporting bodies, athletes and support staff.

Supporting sport safety

We funded the Concussion in Australian Sport position statement. It ensures that participant safety and welfare is paramount when dealing with concussion.

On 14 November 2024, the Government tabled its response to the Senate Inquiry into concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports, addressing the 13 recommendations made by the Committee.

We provide funding and support to improve water and snow safety.

Legislation

We administer the following laws relating to sport on behalf of our ministers:

• Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2006
• Australian Sports Commission Act 1989
• Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Act 2014
• Sports Integrity Australia Act 2020.

Initiatives and programs

We fund a range of initiatives and programs related to sport.  

See our list of sports programs.

Who we work with

Within the Health and Aged Care portfolio there are several organisations relating to sport. We work with a range of bodies and government agencies to ensure we have a fair sports system that everyone can take part in.