OUTCOME 15
Development of a Stronger and
Internationally Competitive Australian Sports
Sector and Encouragement of Greater
Participation in Sport by All Australians
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007 – 2008
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OUTCOME
Development of a Stronger
and Internationally Competitive
Australian Sports Sector and
Encouragement of Greater
Participation in Sport by All
Australians
Outcome 15 contributes to a competitive
and clean Australian sports sector, based
on excellence, integrity and leadership. The
outcome also aims to encourage greater
participation in sport by all Australians.
OUTCOME
15
The Department helped achieve Outcome 15
in 2007–08 by supporting sport and recreation
projects from grassroots to elite levels, and
facilitating access to sporting and recreational
opportunities for people to promote physical
and mental health. The Department also
supported activities to help detect and deter
doping, and promote water and snow safety.
Responsibility for sport and recreation projects
transferred from the former Department of
Communications, Information Technology
and the Arts to Health and Ageing in
December 2007.
This chapter reports on the major activities
undertaken during the year, addressing
the performance information published
in the Outcome 2 chapter of the 2007–08
Communications, Information Technology and
the Arts Portfolio Budget Statements and the
Outcome 15 chapter of the 2007–08 Health
and Ageing Portfolio Additional Estimates
Statements.
• Supported four national recreational
safety organisations to develop and
implement strategies to reduce the
number of aquatic and skiing accidents and
deaths in Australia.
• Helped promote excellence, participation
and sustainability in the sport sector
by managing the development of the
Government’s new policy framework
Australian Sport: emerging challenges,
new directions.
• Supported the successful candidature of
John Fahey for the Presidency of the World
Anti-Doping Agency.
• Contributed to increasing the active
participation of Indigenous Australians
through the funding of 134 projects to
community groups and organisations in
urban, rural and remote regions.
Challenges
• Delays in finalising funding arrangements
for the Anti-Doping Research Program.
• Funding for three sporting facilities
projects, totalling $31 million, was not
provided in 2007–08 as the respective
projects were not sufficiently advanced for
the execution of funding agreements.
Key Strategic Directions for
2007–08 – Major Activities
Promoting Excellence, Participation
and Sustainability in the Sport Sector
Sport and Recreation Facilities
Major Achievements
Sport and recreation activities play a
fundamental role in building healthy
communities. For example, activities
undertaken through grassroots sporting clubs
promote participation in active sport and
recreation, and teach important values such as
volunteerism, leadership, teamwork, meeting
challenges and pursuing excellence.
• Contributed to increased participation in
sport and recreation through funding for
the development of sport and recreation
facilities.
During 2007–08, the Department supported
the development of a range of community
and major sporting and recreation facilities
across Australia, through the implementation
Outcome 15 was managed by the Population
Health Division.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007– 2008
Sport Policy
Another achievement was the development
of the Australian Government’s new policy
framework Australian Sport: emerging
challenges, new directions. Accessible
at <www.health.gov.au>, the framework
identifies the need to better support elite
sport, and prevent chronic disease in the
community through increased participation
in physical activity. Priority areas include
improving the status of women in sport,
improving the delivery of Indigenous sport,
and examining how to improve access for
disabled athletes at the grassroots and elite
levels.
The Department also managed the
organisation of the Commonwealth Sports
Ministers Meeting, held in Beijing in the
margins of the 2008 Olympic Games in
August 2008. Chaired by the Australian
Minister for Sport, the meeting was an
important forum to pursue community
development across the Commonwealth
through sport, and to further develop
anti-doping initiatives, particularly in those
countries without anti-doping programs.
In addition, the Department will work to help
increase the delivery of sport in traditional
settings such as schools, and encourage active
play. To achieve this, the Department will
work with state and territory departments of
sport and recreation; developing strategies
to overcome issues that present as barriers to
participation.
Contribution to Australia’s
Anti-doping Framework and
Promotion of International
Cooperation on Anti-doping in Sport
In 2007–08, the Department worked with
the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority
in overseeing Australia’s anti-doping
arrangements, and to ensure Australia’s
compliance with international obligations
under the UNESCO International Convention
Against Doping in Sport.
National Anti-doping Efforts
Working in consultation with state and
territory agencies, the Department prepared
the National Anti-Doping Framework that
was agreed by the Sport and Recreation
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007 – 2008
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OUTCOME
of 17 new funding agreements. This major
achievement supported the establishment
and redevelopment of community sport and
recreation facilities, club and oval upgrades,
and the purchase of sporting equipment.
Through this activity, the Department aims
to improve opportunities for participation
in sport and recreational activities at a
grassroots level; and in the case of larger
sport stadiums, a wider promotion of sports
and encouragement of greater community
participation.
The Department will manage the
implementation of the major initiatives in
the policy, including an independent review
of Australian sport, which will look at what
is required to ensure Australia’s continued
sporting success at an elite level and
mechanisms to support grassroots community
support and increase participation rates.
Ministerial Council in October 2007.
This framework aligns anti-doping efforts in
Australia through a set of agreed principles
and clearly identifies areas for cooperation
between the Australian and State and
Territory Governments. It is expected that
this framework will help Australia to lead the
international fight against drugs and doping in
sport, to achieve a level international playing
field, where all athletes are subject to the
same doping rules and sanctions.
World Anti-doping Efforts
OUTCOME
15
Australia continued to be an active contributor
to the activities of the World Anti-Doping
Agency, the international organisation
established to promote, coordinate, and
monitor the fight against doping in sport
in all its forms. In 2007–08, Mr John Fahey
was appointed as the head of the agency,
a highly influential position in world sport
and the global anti-doping movement.
The Department contributed to this major
achievement by providing logistical support
to the election of Mr Fahey.
The Department also contributed to the
development of the Australian Government’s
submission to the final stage review of the
World Anti-Doping Code and facilitated the
Australian Government’s participation in the
World Anti-Doping Conference in Madrid
in November 2007. The endorsement of
the revised World Anti-Doping Code at this
meeting was the culmination of a two year
effort to refine the code so that it underpins
the international fight against doping into
the future.
Furthermore, the Department worked with
the World Anti-Doping Agency to cohost the third Investigations Symposium,
which was held in Sydney on 1–2 May 2008.
The symposium brought together highlevel representatives from UNESCO,
governments, law enforcement agencies,
the International Olympic Committee,
international sporting federations and national
anti-doping organisations to work towards
the development of protocols that reflect
best practice in information sharing and
investigative practices in anti‑doping.
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Promoting Water and Alpine Safety
Another highlight was the provision of
funding to four National Recreation Safety
Organisations: Surf Life Saving Australia, the
Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Austswim
and the Australian Ski Patrol Association, to
develop and implement strategies to reduce
the number of aquatic and skiing accidents
and deaths in Australia. Government support
for nationally‑based water safety programs
has contributed to a continuing reduction
in drowning. The national drowning rate
has steadily decreased from 2.0 deaths per
100,000 population in 1992 to 1.3 deaths
per 100,000 population in 2006–07. In a
country with a strong beach and water sports
culture, continued education efforts are
required to promote safety and minimise
injury, hospitalisation and death. Government
support contributes to the coordinated
national efforts of the peak water safety
organisations in developing and delivering
effective water safety programs.
Active Community Participation
in Sport and Physical Recreation
Activities for Indigenous Australians
Sport and physical recreation are instrumental
in contributing to improved health outcomes
for Indigenous Australians and reducing the
gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians’ life expectancy. Such activities
also engage communities socially, build an
individual’s self-esteem and foster social skills.
Furthermore, sport and physical recreation
have the potential to address broader
social issues such as low attendance rates
at school and interaction with the justice
system, thereby having multiple effects on a
community.
The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program
forms part of the whole-of-government
approach to programs and services for
Indigenous Australians. In 2007–08, the
Department supported 134 community and
regional based projects under the program,
aimed at increasing Indigenous Australians’
participation in, and encouraging community
ownership and management of sport and
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007– 2008
The Department provided funds to the
Australian Sports Commission to assist in the
delivery of the Indigenous Sport Program. This
program assisted the states and territories
(with the exception of Queensland) to employ
28 Indigenous Sport Development Officers
to work with Indigenous communities and
relevant government agencies in promoting
sport and physical recreation activities at
the local, community and regional level.
Funding was also used to financially assist
Indigenous sports people attending Australian
Sports Commission recognised national
and international competitions under the
Elite Indigenous Travel and Accommodation
Assistance Program.
In addition, the Department saw 35
Community Development Employment
Projects sport identified positions transitioned
into real jobs as part of the Northern Territory
Emergency Response, with a further 51
positions earmarked for transition in 2008–09.
Supporting Portfolio Sport Agencies
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority
is the focal point for the implementation
of Australia’s anti-doping arrangements.
To deter athletes from using prohibited
substances and methods, the authority
provides a comprehensive anti-doping
program for the Australian sports community
that encompasses deterrence (awareness
and education), detection (testing and
investigations) and enforcement (the
presentation of cases at hearings).
In 2007–08, the Department worked with the
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to
protect Australia’s sporting integrity through
eliminating doping. This work included
consultation on both the World Anti-Doping
Agency 2008 Prohibited List and the third
stage of the World Anti-Doping Code review.
Australian Sports Commission
During the year, the Department also
managed the restructure of the Australian
Sports Commission Board. Personnel in the
board were appointed on the basis of their
expertise and ability to deliver on the new
policy directions set by the Government under
the framework Australian Sport: emerging
challenges, future directions.
Performance Information for Outcome 15 Administered Programs
Administered Funding – Outcome 15 Program
15.1 Sport and Recreation
Indicator:
Extent to which funded research projects are meeting the needs of anti-doping
organisations, anti-doping laboratories and others with a role in the anti-doping
sphere.
Australia is able to contribute to the international fight against doping in sport.
Measured by:
Effectiveness of the Sport and Recreation (Anti-Doping) program.
Reference Point/
Target:
Number of projects supported.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007 – 2008
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OUTCOME
physical recreation activities. This major
achievement helped with the purchase of
sporting equipment, salaries for sport and
recreation officers, and administration and
operational expenses for organisations where
their activities supported sport and physical
recreation.
Ten new projects were supported by the Anti-Doping Research Program in 2007–08, eight of which will
advance knowledge in the detection of substances and methods on the World Anti-Doping Agency
Prohibited List. The projects funded were in line with the research priorities published by the World
Anti-Doping Agency, contributing to the global development of new or improved detection tests.
Two additional projects focused on improving deterrence through social research into athlete behaviour,
the results of which will inform strategic anti-doping initiatives in the future.
Indicator:
The extent to which the aquatic and ski initiatives funded contribute to an
enhancement of aquatic and snow safety in Australia.
Measured by:
Effectiveness of the Water and Snow Safety program.
Reference Point/
Target:
Qualitative evaluation of key initiatives supported by the funding through the analysis
of annual reports provided by National Recreational Safety Organisations.
Result: Indicator met.
National Recreational Safety Organisations initiatives funded by the Government in 2007–08 were
delivered in a timely and effective manner. These programs contributed to a continuing downward trend
in the number of aquatic and skiing accidents and deaths in Australia. The national drowning rate has
steadily decreased from 2.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 1992 to 1.3 deaths per 100,000 population
in 2006–07. Government support contributes to the coordinated national efforts of the peak water safety
organisations in developing and delivering effective water safety programs.
OUTCOME
15
Indicator:
The development of a stronger sports sector and greater participation in sport
resulting from facilities funding initiatives.
Measured by:
Effectiveness of Government financial support for the development of sporting
facilities.
Reference Point/
Target:
Percentage and number of individual funding agreement milestones met.
Result: Indicator met.
The Department executed 17 (85%) new funding agreements in 2007–08. Three additional (15%) funding
agreements could not be executed as the proponents were unable or not ready to proceed with the
project.
These funding agreements support increased participation in and promotion of sport and recreational
activities. For example, funding for the Leichhardt Oval in Balmain will allow a greater use of the oval by
a range of community and sporting groups and the Community Street Soccer Program brings together
homeless and marginalised people for weekly training and matches around the country.
During 2007–08, the Department continued the administration of a further 19 funding agreements that
had been executed during previous financial years. Final reports for 13 of these older funding agreements
will be delivered in 2008–09.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007– 2008
Indicator:
Impact and range of Indigenous sport and recreation activities funded.
Measured by:
Effectiveness of the Indigenous Sport and Recreation program.
Reference Point/
Target:
Number of Indigenous people actively participating in programs.
Number of Indigenous communities with improved access to sport and physical
recreation activities.
Number of Indigenous athletes receiving travel and accommodation support to
attend Australian Sports Commission recognised national and international sporting
competitions.
Number of Indigenous Sport Development Officers (ISDOs) supported.
Number of sport and physical recreation programs developed by ISDOs in
collaboration with relevant parties.
Result: Indicator met.
In 2007–08 approximately 73,000 Indigenous Australians actively participated in an Indigenous Sport
and Recreation Program activity. Over 500 activities were held nationally, attracting approximately 39,000
Indigenous males and 34,000 Indigenous females. Program participants ranged in age and ability;
approximately 15,000 adults and 58,000 youths participated in program activities, plus 27 disabled adults
and 85 disabled youths.
A total of 641 Indigenous athletes (342 males and 299 females) received travel and accommodation
support to attend Australian Sports Commission recognised national and international sporting
competitions in 2007–08. Recipients came from regional, country and metropolitan areas
(56% metropolitan and 44% country/regional). Total expenditure for travel and accommodation support
was $601,242, at an average of $938 per recipient.
The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program provided direct support to 23 Indigenous Sport
Development Officers throughout South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania,
Victoria, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Through collaboration with relevant
parties and support of the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program, 517 sport and physical recreation
programs were developed by Indigenous Sport Development Officers in 2007–08, benefiting over 30,000
Indigenous Australians.
Performance Information for Outcome 15 Departmental Outputs
Output Group 1 – Policy Advice
Indicator:
Quality, relevant and timely advice for Australian Government decision-making.
Measured by:
Ministerial satisfaction.
Reference Point/
Target:
Maintain or increase from previous year.
Result: Indicator met.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007 – 2008
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OUTCOME
The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program improved access to sport and physical recreation activities
for 110 Indigenous communities, through the delivery of 130 sport and recreation projects. Over 100
Indigenous organisations operating in urban, rural and remote areas received direct funding and support
under the program in 2007–08.
Ministers were satisfied with the advice provided by the Department for Australian Government decisionmaking. This is on par with ministerial satisfaction in 2006–07.
Indicator:
Relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.
Measured by:
Production of relevant and timely evidence-based policy research.
Reference Point/
Target:
Relevant evidence-based policy research produced in a timely manner.
Result: Indicator met.
In developing the Government’s policy framework, the Department sourced information from previous
Government inquiries, data on physical activity and obesity levels, as well as comparative data from other
countries. The Department also researched base parameters to inform the development of the Local
Sporting Champions program.
Output Group 2 – Program Management
OUTCOME
15
Indicator:
Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5%
from budgeted expenses.
Measured by:
Percentage that actual expenses vary from budgeted expenses.
Reference Point/
Target:
0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
Result: Indicator not met.
There was a -21.86% variance in 2007–08. The underspend in the Anti-Doping Research Program was due
to delays in finalising funding arrangements for a number of projects. The administrative changes arising
from the move of sport into the Health portfolio also caused delays as new systems were set up. This is
not expected to be an issue in the future.
Another challenge was finalising funding for three sporting facilities projects, totalling $31 million. The
respective projects were not sufficiently advanced for the execution of funding agreements. It is expected
that the majority of these agreements will be executed in the 2008–09 financial year.
Indicator:
Stakeholders to participate in program development.
Measured by:
Opportunities for stakeholder participation through a range of avenues, such as
initiatives, reviews and discussion papers.
Reference Point/
Target:
Stakeholders participate through initiatives, reviews and discussion papers.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The Department worked with experts in the illicit drug field as well as with the Australian Sports AntiDoping Authority on the development of the Government’s illicit drugs in sport policy. Similarly, experts in
the alcohol field were consulted on the development of the Club Champions component of the National
Binge Drinking initiative, as well as the Australian Sports Commission and national sporting organisations.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007– 2008
Outcome 15 – Financial Resources Summary
Budget
Estimate
2008–09
$’000
117,565
22,040
139,605
93,058
16,040
109,098
(24,507)
(6,000)
(30,507)
64,620
10,000
74,620
633
1,901
590
1,765
(43)
(136)
804
2,412
2,534
2,355
(179)
3,216
2,513
21
2,152
203
(361)
182
3,200
16
2,534
2,355
(179)
3,216
142,139
111,453
(30,686)
77,836
12
12
–
21
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007 – 2008
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OUTCOME
Administered Expenses
Program 15.1: Sport and Recreation
Appropriation Bill 1/3/5
Appropriation Bill 2/4/6
Total Administered Expenses
Departmental Appropriations
Output Group 1 – Policy Advice
Output Group 2 – Program Management
Total price of departmental outputs
(Total revenue from Government & other
sources)
Total revenue from Government
(appropriations) contributing to price of
departmental outputs
Total revenue from other sources
Total price of departmental outputs
(Total revenue from Government & other
sources)
Total estimated resourcing for Outcome 15
(Total price of outputs & administered
expenses)
Average Staffing Level (Number)
Department
(B) Actual
2007–08
$’000
Variation
(Column B
minus
Column A)
$’000
(A) Budget
Estimate
2007–08
$’000
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING | ANNUAL REPORT 2007– 2008