Senator the Hon George Brandis was Minister for the Arts and Sport from 30 January 2007 to 3 December 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

More resources to combat drugs in sport

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) will receive an additional $2.24 million in 2006–07 to increase its capacity to investigate drug use in sport, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, announced today.

‘It's important to note too that funding is in addition to the $10.641 million announced in the 2006-2007 Federal Budget.'

‘With the establishment of ASADA early last year, the anti-doping focus has become much broader,' Senator Brandis said.

‘Strategies to combat doping in sport are no longer based solely on the results of testing but now arise from a wider, more comprehensive range of anti‑doping rule violations. The Australian Government has responded by establishing ASADA with expanded responsibilities for investigation into the wide range of anti‑doping rule violations including possession and trafficking of banned substances, and prosecuting cases before sporting tribunals.

‘Enhanced detection methods have resulted in a sharp rise in the number of cases requiring attention and detailed investigation by ASADA. In addition, ASADA is finding that the preparation of submissions for sport tribunal hearings is becoming increasingly complex.

‘The Government maintains a zero tolerance policy with respect to doping in sport and this additional funding will ensure ASADA is equipped to identify and investigate those athletes, coaches and support personnel using drugs or engaging in doping methods.'

Senator Brandis said there will be winners and losers from the increased investigations.

‘The winners are the Australian public, sporting organisations and the athletes who compete cleanly.

‘The losers will be the minority of athletes and support personnel who seek to gain a competitive advantage by using prohibited substances or methods.'

Senator Brandis added that ensuring ASADA was properly resourced to carry out its functions was among Australia's international obligations as a Member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and as a party to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.

‘Australia was a key contributor to the development of the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport and was one of the first countries to ratify it.

‘Our tough approach on doping in sport is directly in line with our international obligations. So much so that WADA has singled out ASADA as a model for other countries to follow in their own anti-doping arrangements.'

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

04/07

Friday, 9 February 2007