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.

Why major sporting events matter

Over the next decade, Australia will host some of the world’s largest sporting events culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, acknowledges the opportunities created by major sporting events to:

  • promote inclusion through safe and welcoming environments
  • inspire and motivate participation
  • support our athletes to compete with integrity and perform at their best
  • grow our presence internationally
  • achieve positive economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Australia’s Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy also outlines the benefits of hosting major sporting events for this strategy.

Upcoming major sporting events in Australia

Australia has a long and rich history of delivering world class sporting events. Leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will continue to showcase our strength as an international host with many major sporting events taking place on our shores.

Visit these websites to find out more about events that are coming to Australia.
 

Recent major sporting events in Australia

Australia has hosted a range of major sporting events in the 'green and gold decade' leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read our summaries of the key moments and lasting legacy of recent events.
 

Seeking Australian Government support

Support available

Government support for major international sporting events in Australia includes:

  • funding to help national sporting organisations or event organisers bid for or deliver an event
  • in-kind and cost recovery services to support sporting events, such as:
    • national security
    • border control and customs
    • taxation support
    • intellectual property rights protection
    • anti-doping support, including collecting samples, testing and investigations
  • funding and in-kind support for legacy activities that use a sporting event to create both short and long-term benefits for Australia in other areas.

For more information see the Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework

Our role

We coordinate government support for the bidding, hosting, and staging of major international sporting events hosted in Australia. This includes working:

  • across relevant Australian government agencies
  • with event owners, event organisers and host states or territories.

This supports safe and successful events that leave a long-lasting legacy and deliver economic, social and cultural benefits.

Assessment process

Talk to us early if you plan on bidding for a major international sporting event and seeking Australian Government support.

The government considers every funding proposal for a major international sporting event through a formal budget process, which assesses whether the event:

  • is of national significance
  • is feasible
  • provides an appropriate return on investment
  • delivers broad legacy benefits for the Australian community and our region.

Your funding proposal should address these points, and include an event budget and other event planning documents showing the need for government support.

Contact us for more information about developing a proposal for government consideration.

Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework

The Major Sporting Events Legacy Framework outlines why the Commonwealth supports major international sporting events of national significance in Australia. It has 5 key aims to:

  • promoting gender equality and a more inclusive society
  • building a healthy and connected community
  • showcasing Australia to the world
  • strengthening our future
  • achieving sporting success. 

Contact

Major Sporting Events team

Contact us for more information about major sporting events in Australia.
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