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A record $283 million investment in sport over the next two years announced by the Federal Government will bring monumental generational change for Para-sport, according to Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Sport Anika Wells made the historic funding announcement at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Friday, confirming an additional $54.9 million for Paralympic sport – the single biggest increase in Paralympic investment by an Australian Government.
Aligning with Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy, the new funding will supercharge preparations for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games cycle. Ms Creagh said the announcement signaled a significant shift in the recognition and importance of Para-sport within Australia’s sporting system.
“Paralympics Australia commends the Federal Government, in particular the Prime Minister and Federal Sports Minister, for their visionary leadership and for recognising the immense impact that this investment can deliver,” she said. “Led by the Australian Sports Commission, our system has partnered like never before to seek to understand and address the systemic barriers to entry and progression for Para-athletes.
“Since 2000, Australia’s investment in Para-sport has fallen well behind many of our rivals, allowing them to catch up. This funding marks a much-needed reset, positioning Australia to regain its competitive edge in time for the Paralympic Games in 2028 and our Games at home in 2032.
“It will enable the Australian sporting system to place a new and much-needed emphasis on driving more targeted outcomes for high performance programs, and in doing so, establish a robust and sustainable pipeline which we believe can deliver future Paralympic success.”
Enhanced classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support will be among the key priorities the new Paralympic funding will target.
“We are mindful of the responsibility that comes with this funding to deliver outcomes for the Para-sport sector and we look forward to working closely with the Australian sports system, under the leadership of the Australian Sports Commission and AIS, to build a more inclusive and sustainable sporting system,” Ms Creagh added.
Prime Minister Albanese said: “We’re cheering on all our athletes heading to Paris. We are so proud of them and my Government is backing Aussie athletes with record funding.”
Minister for Sport, Anika Wells said: “This is the biggest investment any government has made in our Olympic and Paralympic sports and will help athletes achieve glory on world stages.”
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said: “Australian high performance sport is more united than ever before under our shared commitment to win well, and I’m proud this has been recognised through today’s announcement.
“We especially welcome the increased investment in Para-sport which will reduce inequality and allow our Para-athletes to make the most of their talents. I would like to thank the Australian Government for its commitment to sport and providing our athletes the platform to win well and inspire the next generation of more active Australians on the road to LA, Brisbane, and beyond.”
The Federal Government also confirmed on Friday:
• An additional investment of $17.6 million over two years into the Direct Athlete Investment Support Grants (dAIS) program to address cost of living pressures.
• Increased access to domestic and international competitions, enabling athletes to compete against the world’s best in preparation for major sporting events.
• Enhanced training, wellbeing, and preparation support, including access to world-leading coaches and performance support staff.
“We believe this investment is a testament to the long-term vision for Paralympic sport in Australia, ensuring that we continue to inspire and empower people with disabilities through sport, by prioritising excellence, inclusivity and connection.” Creagh said.
Angie Ballard, co-captain of the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team, was among several Paralympic and Olympic athletes in attendance at the announcement, and said was it was the most important in her athletics career spanning almost 30 years.
“This is going to be huge for Para-sport and Paralympians,” Ballard said. “We need this investment because there are a lot of barriers for people wanting to get involved in Para-sport and we want those people who are not currently involved to come in and be part of this movement, and have the opportunity to participate and develop.
“The Federal Government’s support announced today is going to make a difference. The way they are supporting Paralympic sport with this new funding sends a message to everyone about the support and resources that should be going Paralympic athletes across the Australian sporting system.”
By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.
Published 28 June, 2024.
