Development of a Stronger and Internationally
Competitive Australian Sports Sector and
Encouragement of Greater Participation in
Sport by all Australians
Outcome
15
Outcome Summary
Outcome 15 aims to support sport, particularly at the community level, and increase Australians’ participation
in physical and recreational activities to promote physical and mental health. It contributes to a competitive
and clean Australian sports sector, based on excellence, integrity and leadership. The Department worked to
achieve this outcome by managing initiatives under the program outlined below.
Program Administered Under Outcome 15 (Program Objectives in 2008–09)
Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation
yy Support sport and recreational projects from
grassroots to elite levels.
yy Facilitate access to sporting and recreational
opportunities for target groups such as people
with disability, mental health issues, and social
and economic isolation.
yy Help detect and deter doping.
yy Promote water and snow safety.
This chapter reports on the major activities undertaken by the Department during the year, addressing
each of the key strategic directions and performance indicators published in the Outcome 15 chapters of
the 2008–09 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and 2008–09 Health and Ageing Portfolio
Additional Estimates Statements. It also includes a table summarising the estimated and actual expenditure
for this outcome.
Outcome 15 was managed in 2008–09 by the Population Health Division.
Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09 | 229
Major Achievements for the
Outcome:
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
2.3
15
yy Established and supported the
Independent Sport Panel which is to
make recommendations on the specific
structures, programs and reforms
required to ensure the continuing
robustness of the Australian sport system
(see Increasing Participation in Sport and
Physical Activity, and Improving Water
and Snow Safety);
yy Contributed to increasing active
participation in sport through funding
the development of 105 sport and
recreation facilities across the broad
community and a further 122 projects
to community groups and organisations
in remote, rural and urban regions
to increase Indigenous Australians’
participation in physical activity
(see Increased Active Participation
of Indigenous Australians in Sport
and Recreation).
yy Enabled the Football Federation of
Australia to begin the process to bid to
host the world’s biggest sporting event,
the FIFA World Cup, in 2018 or 2022
(see Key Fact for 2008–09: FIFA World
Cup Bid); and
yy Undertook a review of the governance
and structure of the Australian Sports
Anti-doping Authority and started
implementing appropriate reforms
to ensure the authority continues to
effectively perform its anti-doping
functions (see Supporting Sports
Agencies to Improve Sporting
Competitiveness and Integrity).
A Challenge for the Outcome:
yy Sporting Organisations’ project
planning was not sufficiently advanced
to allow for ten sporting facilities to enter
into funding agreements (see Supporting
Sport and Recreation Facilities and
Infrastructure).
Key Strategic Directions for
2008–09 – Major Activities
Increasing Participation in Sport
and Physical Activity, and Improving
Water and Snow Safety
Increasing the community’s participation in
sport will improve public health outcomes.
The Department worked to improve public
health by developing national strategies to
encourage, facilitate and support regular
physical activities, address the decline in
participation in sport in traditional settings,
and increase water and snow safety.
Addressing the Decline of Sport in Traditional
Settings and Decreases in Active Play
In 2008–09, the Department undertook
initiatives aimed at improving participation
rates in targeted groups and the community
in general. The Department supported
initiatives to encourage homeless and
marginalised people to participate, increase
their physical activity, and increase their
social contact, for example ‘community
street soccer’ and RecLink.
In recognition of the importance that
sport and physical activity plays in building
healthy communities, the Government
commissioned the Independent Sport
Panel to assess the structure and capability
of the Australian sports system as a whole,
to deliver nationally desirable sport
outcomes from social, community and elite
levels. The Independent Sport Panel was
established in August 2008 and conducted
an extensive consultation process in
2008–09. This included a number of forums
(13) in metropolitan and regional centres to
provide those involved in community sport
with the opportunity to raise issues relating
to grassroots sport participation. It also
held a series of meetings (71) and received
submissions (215) from stakeholders.
The Department provided secretariat
services for the panel throughout 2008–09.
In 2008–09, the Department worked with
various community sporting groups in
attracting and organising a number of
international events such as the World
230 | Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09
The Department supported the performance
of Australia’s men’s and women’s football
teams on the international stage and
the development of grassroots football
through funding of $8 million to the Football
Federation of Australia.
by 50 per cent by the year 2020 through
programs and projects that target at-risk
groups, such as children under five and
males aged 18 to 34 years who use alcohol.
Funding for the above activities was sourced
from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
Supporting Sport and Recreation
Facilities and Infrastructure
Improving facilities can invigorate
community sport and recreation activities
at a grassroots level and increase physical
activity. In 2008–09, the Department
supported the expansion, improvement
or construction of over 100 small to large
sport and recreation facilities such as the
Hidden Valley International Dragstrip in
the Northern Territory, the Cataract Gorge
walkways in Tasmania and the Perth Football
Club. These projects will increase the
capacity of organisations to attract and
retain community involvement in sport
and recreation. The Department worked
with organisations to develop their project
plans. A challenge occurred when plans
were not sufficiently advanced enough for
ten projects, including the Penrith Valley
Sports Hub and the Gladstone hockey field
upgrade, for the Department to enter into
funding agreements in 2008–09.
Funding for the above activities was sourced
from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
Water and Snow Safety
By increasing the safety of water and snow
based activities, the Department aims
to encourage participation and improve
the health outcomes for those taking up
these pursuits. In 2008–09, the Department
worked with peak water safety organisations,
including the Royal Life Saving Society of
Australia, the Surf Life Saving Society of
Australia and AUSTSWIM, to reduce the
incidence of water deaths and accidents.
The Department supported the key water
safety organisation to meet the objectives of
the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008–11
(available at <www.ilsf.org>) developed by
the Australian Water Safety Council. The
strategy seeks to reduce drowning deaths
2.3
Ensuring National Anti-doping
Efforts Reflect the World Anti-doping
Program
By aligning Australia’s anti-doping efforts with
the world anti-doping program, Australian
athletes can compete with confidence
knowing that they are subject to the same
anti-doping rules, sanctions and procedures
as their rivals. In 2008–09, the Department
demonstrated its commitment to cooperate
internationally in the fight against doping
in sport through its continued financial
contribution to the administration costs
for the World Anti-Doping Agency and
the UNESCO voluntary fund ($50,000)
to assist developing countries to implement
anti-doping programs.
Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09 | 231
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
Masters Games (scheduled for Sydney
in October 2009) and the World Sailing
Championships (scheduled for Perth in 2011).
15
Promotion of International Cooperation
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
2.3
15
In 2008–09, the Department administered
funding to assist with the administrative
costs of the World Anti‑Doping Agency,
which harmonises anti-doping efforts in
sport; and to help developing countries to
implement anti-doping programs under the
UNESCO International Convention Against
Doping in Sport.
The Department worked with the
New Zealand Department of Sport
and Recreation to encourage Oceania
governments to commit to the UNESCO
International Convention Against Doping
in Sport. The Department also worked to
encourage Oceania countries to adopt
the revised World Anti-Doping Code,
which came into effect on 1 January 2009.
The revised code: protects athletes’
fundamental rights to participate in
doping-free sport; promotes health, fairness
and equality; and provides harmonised,
coordinated and effective detection and
deterrence anti-doping programs.
Anti-doping Research
During 2008–09, the Department, through
the Anti-Doping Research Program,
administered funding to academic and
scientific organisations to undertake
new anti-doping research. As doping
substances and methods become more
sophisticated and less detectable, the role
of anti-doping research in ensuring that
anti‑doping programs are efficient and
effective, becomes increasingly important.
Fourteen new projects were funded under
the program this year, including projects
related to Erythropoietin doping and
attitudes to doping across sport and the
community.
In 2009–10, the Department will continue
to support research that focuses on how
to better detect banned substances,
and improve understanding of doping
behaviours.
Funding for the above activities was sourced
from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
Increased Active Participation of
Indigenous Australians in Sport
and Recreation
Sport can play an important role in
improving health outcomes for Indigenous
Australians, and address broader social
issues, such as low school attendance rates
and interaction with the judicial system.
Sport and recreation programs attempt
to address Indigenous disadvantage and
can have a positive impact on physical
and mental health; community and
educational involvement; and provide
positive alternatives to anti-social activities.
In 2008–09, the Department helped
Indigenous Australians to become more
involved in healthy activity by managing
initiatives under the Indigenous Sport and
Recreation Program.
In 2008–09, the Department managed
annual grants to over 100 organisations,
and received and assessed applications
for programs to be funded in 2009–10.
Through a memorandum of understanding
with the Australian Sports Commission,
the Department contributed to the
employment of Indigenous Sport and
Recreation Development Officers, and the
operation of the Elite Indigenous Travel and
Accommodation Assistance Program which
provides financial assistance to selected
Indigenous athletes to be involved in,
and travel to, national championships and
international sporting competitions.
The Department also oversaw the creation
of 84 sport and recreation jobs in the
Northern Territory and commenced creation
of 76 similar jobs in other parts of Australia.
Funding for the above activities was sourced
from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
Supporting Sports Agencies to
Improve Sporting Competitiveness
and Integrity
People will become more interested
in participating in sport and recreation
when they see that athletes take part in
sports that are competitive and drug free.
232 | Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09
Legislation and Regulations
In 2008–09, the Department ensured that
existing legislation and regulations were
consistent with sport policies and monitored
compliance with the Australian Sports
Commission Act 1989 and the Australian
Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006.
A major achievement occurred when
the Department reviewed the Australian
Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s governance
arrangements and structure, to ensure that
the most effective arrangements were in
place to meet future challenges and the
needs of the revised World Anti‑Doping
Code. The Department also established a
revised set of arrangements that will require
amendments to the Australian Sports
Anti-Doping Authority’s enabling legislation.
Addressing Illicit Drug Use in Sport
An achievement was the development of
the Illicit Drugs in Sport National Education
and Prevention Action Plan. Developed
in partnership with national sporting
organisations and experts in the drug and
alcohol field, the plan provides the framework
for education and prevention initiatives
to be taken by sporting organisations.
It also promotes anti-drug messages to the
broader community through the vehicle of
sport. In 2009–10, eligible national sporting
organisations will be able to apply for
Government funding for testing as well as
education and prevention initiatives.
Funding for the above activities was sourced
from Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation.
Key Fact for 2008–09: FIFA World Cup Bid
Hosting a FIFA World Cup would boost tourism, employment and act as a catalyst
for investment in infrastructure such as stadiums. It also develops the sport at the
national level.
In 2008–09, the Department managed the Government’s support for the Football
Federation of Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was
launched on 14 June 2009.
Australia’s bid is in competition with 10 other bids from 12 countries (England,
Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, the United States of America,
Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal). The decision on who will host the 2018 and
2022 FIFA World Cups will be made by the FIFA Executive in December 2010.
2.3
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
The Department ensured that legislation
and regulations were consistent with policies
and supported educational and preventative
activities targeting the use of illicit drugs
in sport.
15
Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09 | 233
Performance Information for Outcome 15 Administered Programs
2.3
Program 15.1 – Sport and Recreation
Indicator:
The extent to which funded research projects meet the needs of anti-doping
organisations, anti-doping laboratories and others in the sphere of anti-doping.
Measured by the number of projects supported.
The extent to which Australia is able to contribute to international anti-doping
initiatives as measured by the number of commitments fulfilled within agreed
timeframes.
Reference Point/
Target:
Number of projects funded meet objectives within agreed timeframes.
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The Department supported 14 new projects through the Anti‑Doping Research Program in 2008‑09:
nine will advance knowledge in the detection of prohibited substances and methods; and five will improve
deterrence through understanding a range of factors that influence athlete behaviour.
Indicator:
The extent to which the National Recreation Safety Program supports the water and
snow safety initiatives of the National Safety Organisation.
The extent to which funding from the program contributes to an enhancement of
water and snow safety in Australia.
Reference Point/
Target:
A continuing downward trend in the number of deaths from water and snow related
accidents.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
The Department supported water and snow safety initiatives of the National Safety Organisation through
the National Recreation Safety Program. In 2008–09, there was a downward trend in the number of people
drowning each year, based on the most recent data as shown in Figure 2.3.15.1:
yy the drowning death rate has steadily reduced to 1.23 per 100,000 people in 2007–08, from 1.6 per 100,000
in 2002–03; and
yy there were 261 unintentional (that is accidental) drowning deaths in Australian waterways for 2007–08,
a decrease of four on 2006–07 and 27 below the five year average.
There is no available data on the number of deaths from snow related accidents. The Department is working
with the Australian Ski Patrol Association on mechanisms to collate this information.
15
234 | Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09
Figure 2.3.15.1: Unintentional Drowning Death Rate per 100,000
1.8
1.6
1.44
1.4
Rate per 100,000
2.3
1.6
1.41
1.43
1.4
1.27
1.23
2006–07
2007–08
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
5 Year Average
Year
Source: National Drowning Report 2008 (Royal Life Saving Society of Australia), available at <www.royallifesaving.com.au>.
Indicator:
The development of a stronger sports sector and greater participation in sport resulting
from facilities funding initiatives. Measured by the effectiveness of Government financial
support for the development of sporting facilities.
Reference Point/
Target:
Number of projects completed within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator substantially met.
In 2008–09, a majority of the sport and recreation facilities projects funded through the Department
progressed well according to their project milestones. In many cases, improvements to sport facilities were
in place prior to the commencement of the active sport season or, in the case of recreation, prior to peak
spring/summer recreation activities.
During the year 29 out of 42 projects were completed within agreed timeframes, and 90 new funding agreements
were executed. This compares with the 17 funding agreements established in 2007–08. Weather events such
as extended floods in Queensland, or delays in receipt of construction materials or gaining development
approvals, meant that some facilities were not able to meet their projected construction timeframes.
However, the Department has been advised that all delayed projects are expected to proceed in 2009–10.
Indicator:
The extent to which the objectives of the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program
are met by the activities funded under the program.
Reference Point/
Target:
Participant numbers, as determined in negotiations of the Program Funding
Agreements and through activities coordinated by Indigenous Sport Development
Officers, are achieved.
Result: Indicator partially met.
Limitations in the quality of data provided by grant recipients make it difficult to assess the outcome of the
program in these terms. The Department is seeking to improve the quality of reporting.
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
0.2
15
Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09 | 235
2.3
Indicator:
The National RecLink Program is completed and payments are made.
Reference Point/
Target:
Projects are completed within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator met.
In 2008–09, the Department negotiated a funding agreement with RecLink Australia which aims to increase
the number of RecLink sport and recreation programs and activities, and the number of disadvantaged
people accessing these programs by 2012. The first progress report was not due until 30 July 2009.
Indicator:
Funding agreements for the World Masters Games are executed and the project meets
the Government’s objective to promote sport and recreation for older Australians.
Reference Point/
Target:
Project meets milestones identified in the funding agreement.
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
Result: Indicator met.
15
The funding agreement was executed in 2007–08. All milestones identified in the agreement were met and
the Department is working with the organising committee on opportunities before and after the event for
the Government to promote messages encouraging adult Australians to participate more in physical activity.
These messages will be broadcast before and during the event.
Indicator:
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Australian Sports
Commission executed to deliver agreed outcomes.
Reference Point/
Target:
Funding is provided within agreed timeframes.
Result: Indicator met.
The Department provided funding to the Australian Sports Commission on acceptance of satisfactory
six-monthly reports and in line with agreed timeframes.
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:
Ministerial satisfaction.
Result: Indicator met.
Ministers were satisfied with the quality, relevance and timeliness of advice provided for Australian Government
decision-making.
Indicator:
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.
During 2008–09, the Department completed all evidence-based policy research work in a timely manner.
For example, the Department commissioned research on the use of illicit drugs among elite athletes across
a range of sports, as well as on knowledge of and attitudes towards illicit drugs. That information was
produced in a timely manner and used to inform the development of the Illicit Drugs in Sport – National
Education and Prevention Action Plan.
236 | Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09
Output Group 2 – Program Management
Indicator:
Administered budget predictions are met and actual expenses vary less than 0.5%
from budgeted expenses measured by comparison of actual expenses against budget.
Reference Point/
Target:
0.5% variance from budgeted expenses.
2.3
Result: Indicator not met.
Indicator:
Stakeholders participate in program development through a range of avenues such as
surveys, conferences, meetings, and submissions on departmental discussion papers.
Reference Point/
Target:
Stakeholders participate in program development.
Result: Indicator met.
In 2008–09, the Department provided secretariat services to the Independent Sport Panel. The panel:
conducted 13 public forums, seeking feedback on community sport; held 71 meetings with key stakeholders;
and received over 210 submissions from the general public and stakeholders as part of its investigation and
assessment of Australia’s sporting system.
The Department also worked with select national sporting organisations, the Australian Sports Commission,
the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the Australian National Council on Drugs in the
development of the Government’s Illicit Drugs in Sport National Education and Prevention Action Plan.
Outcome 15 – Financial Resources Summary
(A)
Budget
Estimate
2008–09
$’000
(B)
Actual
2008–09
$’000
Variation
(Column B
minus
Column A)
$’000
Budget
Estimate
2009–10
$’000
Annual Appropriation Bill 1
(Ordinary Annual Services)
86,901
72,081
(14,820)
84,435
Annual Appropriation Bill 2
(Other Services)
10,300
10,300
-
2,300
8,679
9,223
544
8,091
470
321
(149)
477
Subtotal for Program 15.1
106,350
91,925
(14,425)
95,303
Total Resources for Outcome 15
106,350
91,925
(14,425)
95,303
Program 15.1: Sport and Recreation
Administered Items
Departmental Outputs
Annual Appropriation Bill 1
(Ordinary Annual Services)
Revenues from other sources
Outcome 15 Resources by Departmental Output Group
Outcome 15 | Development of a Stronger and Internationally Competitive Australian Sports Sector
and Encouragement of Greater Participation in Sport by All Australians
The actual Administered expenses for Outcome 15 were 15.25% less than budgeted expenses. This was
primarily due to unforeseeable delays which disrupted project schedules, and longer than expected
negotiations to finalise funding agreements. For example, some facility projects were delayed due to severe
weather and others due to difficulties in gaining local government planning approvals.
Department of Health and Ageing
Output Group 1: Policy Advice
4,584
4,815
231
4,322
Output Group 2: Program Management
4,565
4,729
164
4,245
9,149
9,544
395
8,567
55
52
(3)
53
Total Departmental Resources
Average Staffing Level (Number)
Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09 | 237
15
238 | Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2008–09