An independent review of the integrity of Australian sport has found it to be facing serious and emerging threats.
The review, conducted by former judge, James Wood made 52 recommendations for improvement.
Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the review and its report represented the most comprehensive examination of Australia’s sports integrity arrangements ever undertaken.
“The review acknowledges Australia’s position as a world leader in sports integrity; however, it identifies serious and emerging threats that require a national approach,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Although many sports integrity threats are global, they can have profound consequences here at home.”
She said the Australian community deserved to have confidence in the integrity of its athletes.
“If we do not, we may risk the many health, economic and social benefits that sport generates,” the Minister said.
“The findings of the review represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the integrity of Australian sport.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton welcomed the release of the review and noted it identified links between organised crime and threats to sports integrity.
“Despite significant effort by Australian sport to bolster their own integrity safeguards in recent years, there continues to be significant vulnerability to criminal infiltration and exploitation,” Mr Dutton said.
“These criminal elements are involved in the manipulation of sporting competitions, the provision of illegal gambling and the supply of doping and illicit substances to athletes.”
The 276-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
