Australians are being encouraged to have their say and to come forward with ideas for the National Sports Plan before consultation closes on 31 July.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said it was important that people from across Australia contributed to the extensive national consultation process that would steer the long-term future direction of sport for the nation.
“Sport is one of the defining characteristics of our culture in which we band together as a community and as a nation to enjoy our love of physical activity, whether as a participant or as a spectator,” Mr van Manen said.
“More importantly, participating in sport helps us to be healthier physically and mentally.
“It is one of the key components to effective preventive health because we know that being physically active helps to reduce our risk of chronic disease.
“We also know that our enjoyment of sport at the grassroots and our participation in playing sport can bring our diverse communities together for fun and enjoyment, serving as a conduit for improved social well-being.”
The Plan will become a long-term strategy for the whole of sport examining four key pillars of:
- Participation
- Performance
- Prevention through physical activity
- Integrity
The consultation process will also explore major sporting events, sports infrastructure, sport governance and funding.
“Whether you are part of a local sporting club, parents of kids playing sport or interested in physical activity, anyone can be involved and have a say to help make our sports at all levels better for everyone,” Mr van Manen said.
The online questionnaire is easy to access and simple to use, so please have your say before 31 July and help us make a difference.
You can contribute by visiting the National Sports Plan website at www.sport.gov.au
