The Australian Sports Commissionʼs (ASC) new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Hollingsworth, started his first day with the Australian Governmentʼs primary national sports administration and advisory agency today in Canberra.

A former Australian Olympic athlete, Mr Hollingsworth was appointed to the role by the ASC Board on 8 August from his previous position as Executive Director, Policy and Cabinet Group, at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Mr Hollingsworth says heʼs excited about taking on the challenging role.

'As a former athlete I understand how sport can inspire and unite Australians and Iʼm looking forward to meeting with all sectors of sport to discuss its intricacies, areas of focus and challenges,' said Mr Hollingsworth.

'Iʼm looking forward to working with our Chair, the Hon Warwick Smith AM and the ASC Board, the Minister for Sport Mark Arbib, as well as the dedicated ASC staff at
the helm of an organisation which must lead, support and unite sport.

'Having represented Australia in athletics on the world stage Iʼm eager to commence working with the key people across our high performance network to ensure we continue to drive collectively for international success. The London Olympics and
Paralympics are looming fast and there is much work to be done to ensure our athletes receive the best possible support and preparation.

'As a father with young children, and having played many sports growing up, I know it is equally important to focus on bolstering sport at the grassroots level to get more kids playing and loving sport. Not only is this important for health reasons, but it creates fantastic social connections and friendships.

'In coming weeks and months Iʼm eager to work closely with ASC staff and our sport sector colleagues and partners nationally, and in the states and territories.

'I believe there are very exciting times ahead for the sport sector and significant opportunities we can capture, collectively, to deliver for Australian sport.'