As part of the budget the Federal Minister for Sport, The Hon Kate Ellis M.P., released the long awaited response to the Independent Sport Panel Report, (the Crawford report).
The Government has backed the recommendation for a clear and definitive whole of Government strategy for sports policy. The creation of a sports strategy will be key to the implementation of the recommendations.
Of significance is the acceptance of the recommendation that compulsory sport and physical education be included in the national curriculum. ASGA has been campaigning for some years for sport to be compulsory in schools, and for a greater focus on the preventative health benefits of sport and physical education and the promotion of more active lifestyles. ASGA will be closely monitoring the implementation of this recommendation and will seek to work with the Government to ensure that the industry’s views are represented.
The other major key components of the Government’s response include;
• The creation of a Sport and Education Strategy
• Requiring National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to have an increased focus on participation outcomes
• The creation of a National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework
• Additional coaching training opportunities
• Doubling the local sporting champion program
• Doubling of the talent identification program
• Requiring Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Scholarship holders to volunteer at local sporting clubs and assist junior sports
• Additional funding for attraction and retention of coaches
• Better integration and coordination between state based institutes and academies of sport.
A copy of the Crawford report can be found at;
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/crawford-report-full
A copy of the Government’s response to the Crawford report can be found at;
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/sport-1
