A new Agency to watch over competitive sport in Australia and keep it from the influence of dopers, extortionists and cheats, has been launched.
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) brings together the current functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), the National Integrity of Sport Unit in the Department of Health, and the nationally-focused integrity functions of Sport Australia.
The new Agency will be led by former Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner and sports administrator, David Sharpe (pictured).
Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck said Sport Integrity Australia would offer a clear and definitive approach to keep sport in Australia fair.
“Australians love their sport but not the underhanded actions of those who seek to take advantage of it,” Senator Colbeck said.
Mr Sharpe said issues handled by SIA would include the manipulation of doses and timing of doses to avoid detection from sampling; the manipulation of gambling markets; the rise of off-shore, illegal wagering; and the threat of bullying, harassment and abuse of athletes.
“We will also take an increased interest in the corruption of sport by organised crime, particularly through match fixing,” Mr Sharpe said.
Senator Colbeck said sporting organisations and athletes would have access to a single source of assistance and guidance under one roof.
“Athletes will benefit from having greater access to education on sports integrity issues and knowing they have an even playing field, Australian sports fans will benefit from knowing the sports they follow are protected from cheats,” he said.
“All taxpayers benefit knowing the Government’s investment of nearly $300 million each year in sport is safe from dopers and cheats.”
The Minister said Sports Integrity Australia was a recommendation of the review of Australia’s sports integrity arrangements commissioned in 2017 as part of the development of the National Sport Plan.
