Chapter 1.7: Ensuring Australia’s Sport System is Open to All

7.1 The Australian Sports Commission, in consultation with the Australian Government, state and territory and local governments and agencies and appropriate experts, should develop strategies as a matter of priority in the nine key areas identified by the Panel. In each category, the Panel has made specific comment on the key issues to be addressed and these should provide the context in which strategies and recommendations are designed and communicated across the sporting system. In some instances, this would involve the setting of targets, the undertaking of new research and analysis, and significant community consultation.

Government Response

Supported in Principle.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation and will take it into account in developing key strategies mentioned in its response to the Panel’s report. The Australian Sports Commission will also take this recommendation into account when developing sport- related strategies in the future.

7.2 The Australian Government should choose several geographic areas across Australia where many or most of the nine issues exist and contribute to significant social disadvantage, and design projects which place sport, recreation and volunteering at the centre of plans to improve community outcomes. This would involve collaboration with the state, territory and local governments and agencies responsible for indicators of disadvantage in partnership with national sporting organisations, non-government organisations and communities.

Government Response

Supported in Principle.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation and will consider the appropriateness of choosing geographic areas to establish sport, recreation and volunteering programs. The Australian Sports Commission will also take this recommendation into account when developing sport-related strategies in the future.