Minister for Sport Mark Arbib heads to Singapore today to meet senior Government Ministers, support the Australian Diamonds in their bid to win a 10th world netball title and participate in the official handover ceremony for the 2015 World Netball Championships.

Senator Arbib will meet Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean as well as the Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for National Development and Manpower and the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.

'Australia’s relationship with Singapore is one of our closest and most comprehensive in south East Asia.   I look forward to discussing a range of issues with the Deputy Prime Minister and senior Ministers,' Senator Arbib said.

'Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has a keen interest in sport in his role as the President of the Singapore National Olympic Council.

'I will be raising with him the important issue of match fixing, outlining Australia’s efforts and discussing the Singapore Government’s interest in contributing to international efforts to address corruption in sport.

'Singapore and Australia share common interests in sport and are committed to cultivating a positive sporting culture.

'I will also be talking to the Ministers about social housing and any innovative approaches Singapore is taking on the issue, as well as outlining Australia’s strong commitment to the sector.'

Senator Arbib congratulated Singapore on its staging of the 13th World Netball Championships and said with the 2015 World Championships to be held in Sydney it was an exciting time for Australian netball.

After the Grand Final on Sunday night Senator Arbib will be part of the official hand over as Sydney prepares to host the 2015 World Championships.

'The Diamonds have had a fantastic tournament, finishing at the top of their group.  With the Diamonds expected to prevail over Malawi in today’s quarter final, I look forward to watching the semi-final and, if everything goes to plan, the final,' Senator Arbib said.

'The team members are role models to so many young Australians and it is fantastic news that in 2015 the World Championships will be accessible to all Australians.

'The efforts of Netball Australia, Netball NSW, Events NSW and the NSW Government in winning the right to host the event in Sydney are to be commended.

'I have no doubt that Australia will continue our proud history of hosting first class international sporting events.'

Senator Arbib said netball was the leading women’s participation sport in Australia with more than 1.2 million people enjoying the game on a regular basis.

'The 2015 World Championships will have long-lasting benefits for the sport of netball in Australia, including the development and transfer of skills and knowledge for all those involved in netball,' Senator Arbib said.