Australia

Sport development in Australia is currently driven by the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to a whole-of-sport approach and creating stronger links between participation and high-performance sport with a particular focus on increasing participation. The National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework and The National Institute System Intergovernmental Agreement provide guidance for the alignment of sport development strategies with State and Territory departments of sport and recreation, local government and peak sporting bodies such as national sports organisations. The policies also outline key objectives, such as increasing participation and increased international success. The focal point for the delivery of sports policy is the Australian Sports Commission, which is the primary national sports administration and advisory agency and works with various Commonwealth government departments, State and Territory departments of sport and recreation, national sport organisations, peak sporting bodies, schools and local communities and clubs to deliver both participation and high-performance objectives. The Australian Sports Commission also funds sport at a national level and distributes the majority of its funding through national sport organisations which must meet eligibility criteria to be allocated funds. Other funding for sport is provided through State and Territory departments of sport and recreation that have their own budgets and state sporting organisation grants. While participation rates in Australia have increased from 2001 to 2010, it is unclear if this has been the result sports policy or external circumstances.