Sport plays an important role in the national economy. The Government’s own research has found that the direct economic, productivity and volunteering benefits from sport create a total economic value to the national economy of approximately $50 billion annually.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) and Paralympics Australia (PA) have developed a plan that focusses on delivering three (3) key outcomes, so the 53 Member Sports can play a crucial role as Australia recovers from the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis and economic upheaval – and be positioned to support the Australian community in the recovery phase.
The outcomes sought were:
- Certainty – retaining business capability and capacity for the Sports;
- Community – using the power of sport to reconnect and motivate the Australian community; and
- Performance – securing Australia’s international competitiveness to inspire the nation.
The submission is a reasoned request that Government commit to providing the Australian Sports Commission with no less than the 2019/20 level of funding for the next two years.
The AOC and CGA, as is the case now, is not seeking funds for their own activities.
We have seen through the pandemic that our sports and athletes have played their part in boosting community spirit and encouraging Australians to stay strong.
Through the #TeamAUS campaign in April/May with athletes posting health and exercise tips, the Olympic Day goal-setting campaign throughout June and the continuation of Olympics Unleashed school visits in virtual formats, our athletes continue to encourage Australians to stay active, healthy and safe.
The AOC, CGA and PA also note that the Intergeneration Report (IGR) that was due this year has been postponed to 2021 with the expectation that it will be delivered to the Government in April 2021 ahead of the 2021/22 Federal Budget.
The Sports recognise the importance of the next IGR and its impact – on the 2021/22 Budget, but more importantly its impact in shaping and mapping the Government’s priorities for the next five years resetting the health of the nation. The Government should be assured that the Sports have every intention of playing their part in this process.
