Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Safety initiatives for the wellbeing of Australians who enjoy aquatic and snow sports will enjoy more funding certainty as the result of new Budget processes, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, said today.

“The Australian Government makes a significant contribution to water and snow safety with the aim of reducing the number of aquatic and skiing accidents and deaths in Australia,” Senator Brandis said.

“The Government provides funding through the National Recreation Safety Programme (NRSP) to Surf Life Saving Australia, the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Austswim and the Australian Ski Patrol Association for measures to reduce the number of aquatic and skiing accidents and deaths in Australia.

“The Government’s baseline commitment to the NRSP is approximately $2.7 million in 2007–08 and will rise to approximately $2.9 million in 2010–11.”

Additional funds are provided for specific needs.

To celebrate the role of Surf Lifesavers in protecting Australians over the past 100 years, the Government provided $1.5 million to Surf Life Saving Australia for the 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver initiative. Since the last election the Government has provided $10 million above its base commitment to the key safety organisations.

“The Government’s decision to streamline Budget processes means the annual baseline commitment will not need annual deliberation,” Senator Brandis said.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

12 October 2007
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