Minister for Sport Senator Kate Lundy said the Federal Government will continue to invest in the future of sport in Australia by providing funding to boost community participation and help our elite athletes reach their full potential.

“Sport is a powerful platform for inclusion and funding for sport is an investment in the future health and prosperity of the Australian community,” Senator Lundy said.

“Sport encourages people to join in, get active and get involved by driving participation and fostering strong community connections.

“The Gillard Government is committed to supporting both community and elite sport and this year’s Budget continues to provide funding to encourage grassroots participation and help our athletes achieve national and international excellence.”

Senator Lundy said the 2012-13 Budget includes more than $120 million in funding to promote community participation and continue a suite of successful national programs that engage the community.

“By investing in community participation programs, the Government is harnessing the power of sport to strengthen communities and encourage Australians to lead active lives,” Senator Lundy said.

Australia’s elite athletes will also benefit from the Government’s commitment to high performance sport with approximately $170 million in the 2012-13 Budget dedicated to ensure Australia can continue to pursue sporting excellence.

“The achievements of our elite athletes inspire all Australians to join in, play and participate in sport,” Senator Lundy said.

“Australia has a proud international sporting record and our investment in innovative high performance sport programs can help add to that record.

“This year’s budget continues to direct funding to support our elite athletes and help drive Australia’s continued success on the international stage.”

The key highlights in the 2012-13 Budget for sport include:

• $39.2 million for the continuation of the Active After-School Communities Program for the 2013 school year;
• $2 million over two years for the Community Street Soccer program and a further $560,000 for Reclink Australia to support our most vulnerable Australians gain an improved outlook on life;
• $4 million over four years to continue the Saving Lives in the Water program to continue to support key initiatives aimed at reducing drowning among children under 5 years of age;
• $3 million towards the Jim Stynes Reach Scholarship Fund to support young men and women to achieve their best through the development of self confidence and their individual skills;
• $8 million for grassroots football initiatives in Western Sydney and the redevelopment of football facilities in Parklea;
• $2.5 million to contribute to the establishment of a new home for netball in Melbourne;
• $10 million to contribute to the construction of a Community Sports Centre in the Olympic Park precinct in Melbourne;
• $8.7 million for the redevelopment of the King George V sport and community precinct in Glenorchy;
• $1.8 million for the upgrade of facilities at Wayne Richards Park, including the complete resurfacing of the Port Macquarie hockey field;
• Approximately $13 million to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to continue its fight against doping in sport; and
• $2.5 million to contribute to the installation of high-definition broadcast standard lighting at Manuka Oval in Canberra

Senator Lundy said the Gillard Government was proud to support Australian sport in the 2012-13 Budget and deliver funding to support the full spectrum of sport from community to elite competitions.

“Sport is an integral part of Australian life and funding for sport benefits all Australians from the grassroots to the elite level,” Senator Lundy concluded.

Australia Government Release