Australia now has a single, dedicated focal point for combating the use of drugs in sport with the establishment of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, announced today.

Speaking at the launch of ASADA in Melbourne , Senator Kemp said the testing, investigation, presentation, research and education functions of the new body will provide a unified response to doping in sport.

“The creation of ASADA enhances Australia 's reputation as a world leader in the fight against doping in sport,” Senator Kemp said. “It enhances our regime for responding to alleged anti-doping rule violations in Australia through a new, dedicated agency.”

ASADA will investigate all allegations of violations as specified in the World Anti-Doping Code and present cases against alleged offenders at the international Court of Arbitration for Sport and at other sports tribunals.

Richard Ings, chair of the new body, said ASADA represents world's best practice in tackling the scourge of drugs in sport while ensuring alleged offenders receive a fair hearing.

“The establishment of ASADA balances a tough on drugs approach with upholding and respecting the rights of athletes,” Mr Ings said. “Australians can have complete confidence that allegations of doping will be thoroughly investigated, while athletes can have confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the processes.”

Detailed protocols and procedures for ASADA's functions are contained in a National Anti-Doping Scheme, developed in consultation with key sporting bodies and players' associations, to be tabled in federal Parliament shortly.

As a condition of funding from the Australian Government, sports will be required to comply with the Scheme, which will include submitting to the anti-doping jurisdiction of ASADA.

Mr Mark Peters, Chief Executive of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), warmly welcomed the establishment of ASADA. “The ASC has a vital role in ensuring that sports cooperate with ASADA's investigations,” Mr Peters said.

“Athletes who play hard and clean should not be penalised because others choose to cheat. ASADA is an initiative that will strengthen Australia's sporting reputation.”

The creation of ASADA represents a comprehensive response to Australia 's obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport. As well as enhancing Australia 's compliance with the Code, ASADA will implement strategically the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport once it enters in force.

“I am very proud Australia 's role in the development of the Convention,” Senator Kemp said. “We were one of the first nations to ratify it formally. I urge countries competing at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games who have not already done so to consider their position on ratification as a priority.”

In addition to announcing Richard Ings as the new chair of ASADA, Senator Kemp announced the appointment of Geoffrey Levy AM as Deputy Chair and John Black, Jennifer Clark, Nicole Livingstone OAM, Dr Brian Sando OAM and Dr Andrew McLachlan as Members of the ASADA board.

“I am delighted to appoint such highly skilled and experienced Australians to lead ASADA.” Senator Kemp said.

Mr Levy brings a legal and business perspective to the new ASADA Board. He is currently the CEO with Investec Bank (Aust) Ltd and Director of Investec Wentworth Pty Ltd (formerly Wentworth Associates).

Dr Brian Sando was formerly the Chair of ASDA. He currently works in Executive Health and Sports Medicine practices in South Australia and has a medical/scientific background. He is the Chairman of the Australian Olympic Committee Medical Commission and sits on the Australian Swimming Sports Medicine/Sports Science Committee.

Ms Livingstone brings an athlete's perspective to ASADA. Ms Livingstone was a member of the Australian swimming team from 1985 to 1996. Following her retirement from competitive swimming in 1996, Ms Livingstone now enjoys a professional career in television and radio and has served as a Member on the ASDA Board.

Ms Clark is currently a finance industry consultant and has held several positions with various boards including the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Sports Foundation and Australian Sport International. Ms Clark has served as a Member on the ASDA Board.

Dr McLachlan has a background in pharmacy and research and experience in drug action and disposition in the body. His main research interests are in the area of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. He is a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry and the Therapeutic Goods Administration and has served as a Member on the ASDA Board.

Mr Black, a former Senator for Queensland , chaired the Senate Inquiry into Drugs in Sport that led to the establishment of ASDA and the design of drug testing regimes for Australian sport.