Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today welcomed the decision of the ABC to continue its coverage of local football leagues across Australia.

Senator Arbib said the ABC had listened to the community and local Labor MPs who have been campaigning to maintain their local football on television.

The ABC today announced it would commence negotiations to bring the state-based Australian Rules competitions, Queensland’s Rugby League competition and NSW’s Shute Shield to audiences on ABC1 in 2012 and 2013.

'The ABC has long been a friend of sport, particularly smaller sports which don’t generate coverage on commercial network television,' Senator Arbib said.

'I had raised this issue with ABC Managing Director Mark Scott who said he’d give the issue more consideration.

'I am very pleased that Mr Scott and ABC management have taken this decision.”

Senator Arbib also urged on ABC TV Sport to renew its agreement with Bowls Australia for is Saturday afternoon coverage.

'I know from my discussions with Bowls Australia that they are very disappointed with the decision and are hopeful the ABC will reconsider,' Senator Arbib said.

'Providing television coverage of local sport and sports like bowls on the ABC encourages more people to get out and play sport which has obvious health benefits.'