ASC welcomes Anika Wells MP as new Minister for Sport

01 June 2022

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) welcomes new Minister for Sport The Hon. Anika Wells MP and looks forward to working with the Australian Government in a defining era for sport.

Anika Wells MP is the new Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport.

ASC Chair Josephine Sukkar AM said an extended green-and-gold runway of major sporting events to Brisbane 2032 provides a generational opportunity to showcase the value and benefits of sport for every Australian.

"Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to unite, inspire and build Australia through sport and so the Australian Sports Commission welcomes the opportunity to work closely with Minister Wells and the Australian Government," Mrs Sukkar said.

"This is a defining era for Australian sport. In the coming decade Australia will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria along with world cups and world championships across a plethora of sports including cricket, basketball, cycling, football, rugby, netball and more.

"Our green-and-gold runway to Brisbane 2032 has begun and so the sporting strategies, programs and facilities we deliver now have the capacity to shape Australia’s long-term prosperity, well beyond sporting boundaries. A thriving Australian sport system is enormously influential to a thriving Australia.

"This is why we continue to champion the value of sport, at all levels, for the benefits it provides to our physical and mental health, our social connectivity, our economy and our national identity. Increased participation and involvement in sport will deliver positive outcomes for Australia, from the kids playing in our school and community grounds through to those inspiring athletes representing us in elite sporting arenas."

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM congratulated Minister Wells.

"We look forward to working together with Minister Wells, the Australian Government and the sporting sector to deliver a strong, collective vision for sustainable success in Australian sport," Mr Perkins said.

"We’re pleased to have helped guide Australia’s safe return to sport and help community clubs attract and retain participants as the sector recovers from COVID-19. Sport is at the heart of so many Australian communities and we’re excited by the opportunity to continue growing participation rates and our volunteer base. We’re focused on advancing the capability within the Australian sporting sector, including critical areas such as leadership, coaching and innovation."