Australian sport produced another heady cocktail of action and drama this year. As we head into this festive season, there is much to celebrate and I want to thank you for your support throughout the year.

Strong in my memories are Australia’s incredible gold medal winning performances at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics and the Delhi Commonwealth Games, and our outstanding domestic competitions, including the State of Origin series where my native Queenslanders kept New South Wales at bay.

Off field the sporting system worked at various levels to tackle important issues like racism, gambling, doping and integrity in sport. 
 
2010 has been an important year for the Australian sport system and one where we made a significant start on implementing the Australian Government’s new vision for sport, Australian Sport: the pathway to success.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) was tasked by the Government with driving this new direction and I want to acknowledge the former Minister for Sport Kate Ellis, new Minister for Sport Mark Arbib, and the Commission’s Board for their strong support as we pursue these improvements.

For me the most significant outcome in 2010 was that the Government confirmed its support for Australian sport through the biggest increase in sports funding in Australia’s history. A total of $325 million over four years will be provided as ongoing baseline funding for sport through the Commission. Ultimately this means sports can plan with greater certainty of future funding envelopes, thereby bringing greater sustainability to program performance and results.

Significant achievements and outcomes achieved by the ASC this year, working in collaboration with the sport system, include:

• working with sports to allocate record new funding of more than $34 million to boost not only elite sport outcomes but strengthen and grow grassroots participation,
• development of the first National Sport & Active Recreation Policy Framework and commencement of vital new national whole of sport strategies and initiatives,
• securing the extension of the Active After-school Communities program until the end of 2011,
• development of a National Institute of Sports Intergovernmental Agreement (AISIA), and
• improving alignment and collaboration with state and territory departments of sports and recreation and Institutes and Academies of Sport.

The Commission has also been pleased with the engagement and enthusiasm shown by all sections of the sport system to embrace and play an active role in this new direction.

There is much work to do and 2011 is already shaping up as another challenging year as we forge ahead as a more united sports system.

I thank you all for your support and passion during the year and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Until next year

Matt Miller
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Sports Commission