Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Australian sport will enjoy greater funding certainty as a result of the recent Australian Government decision to streamline budget processes for existing commitments, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, said today.

“The success of the Backing Australia’s Sporting Ability strategy (BASA), launched in April 2001, has seen the ongoing development of a dynamic and innovative national sports system,” Senator Brandis said.

“BASA supports initiatives that enhance achievements in high performance international events, increase community participation in sport, improve the governance of sporting bodies and the coordination between them and provide effective international and domestic anti-doping programs.

“The Government’s current commitment to Australian sport through BASA stands at $42.8 million in 2007–08 and will rise to $45.3 million in 2010–11.

“BASA will continue to make its invaluable contribution to Australian sport, the community and national identity.”

The majority of BASA funding is provided to the Australian Sports Commission. In 2007-08, the Australian Government, has committed $204.5 million in total to the Commission for the continued development of an effective national sport system that offers improved participation in quality sports activities by Australians ($73 million) and to achieve excellence in sports performance by Australian athletes (nearly $131.5 million).

Some BASA funds are also used to strengthen the fight against doping in sport through the Anti-Doping Research Program and Australia’s international anti-doping obligations, including an annual commitment to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

10 October 2007
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