Local Government today is faced with many challenges. Similarly, there are many important economic, social and ethical issues facing sport as a result of a changing national and world environment. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) supports the national sports system and its stakeholders, including Local Government organisations, in meeting challenges and maximising opportunities in the 21st century.
In April 2001, the Federal Government launched its new sports policy, Backing Australia’s Sporting Ability – A More Active Australia. The focus for the ASC became more about achieving sport outcomes.
The policy seeks to enhance the foundation of current sporting success so that our high standard of performance can continue into the next decade. It also incorporates the introduction of new participation programs that will lead to greater numbers of Australians taking part in grassroots sport. Importantly, this is not restricted to metropolitan Australia. There is a determination to ensure that regional, rural and remote communities benefit from the policy.
The ASC’s major programs, the Australian Institute of Sport and Sport Development, incorporating Active Australia, are central to achieving the outcomes of the sports policy. The role of Sport Development is to foster, support and encourage the further development of sport to ensure its future as a self sustaining and robust national system from grassroots through to high performance sport. It incorporates Active Australia initiatives such as the new Targeted Sport Participation Growth Program and Active Australia Event Partnerships. It also includes Active Australia network initiatives, such as the Local Government Network.
More information about specific ASC programs and projects under the Active Australia banner is featured through this lift out.
