The 2022-23 Federal Budget includes more than $117 million to Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to extend the Sporting Schools program, fund projects to promote and create leadership opportunities for women and girls and expand community participation programs to help get Australians more active.

Sporting Schools has received $79.6 million which will see it continue to provide free and fun sporting activities to school children until the end of 2024.

“Our national AusPlay survey shows that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease in children’s participation in organised sport. This renewed investment will help us to re-engage with more than two million children each year, helping them connect with and build skills in a sport they enjoy,” Ms Sukkar said.

More than 600 women will benefit from an expanded Women Coaches program with $6.3 million in funding allocated over three years to identify, develop and empower women coaches from grassroots to the elite level.

“This is about supporting women and girls in sport at all levels. Equal representation doesn’t just positively impact sports, but it shows generations to come that being a woman leader in sport is achievable.”

More than $4 million will go towards women’s leadership programs to support women in community sport to take on leadership roles, transform community sport environments, systems and cultures to meet the needs and reap the rewards of diverse participation.

“Sport has the power to drive positive social change and we know there is no shortage of talented women in sport ready to take on leadership roles,” ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM added.

“This funding creates incredible opportunity for women and girls in sport as we strive for gender equity in the sector and positions the nation as a leader in this space.”

An additional $10.3 million will support a two-year extension of Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program. More than 500,000 participants have already benefitted from the program that is helping more Australians enjoy the social, personal and health benefits that participating in community sport brings with it.

Sport Australia’s national AusPlay survey, which helps the sector better understand the participation landscape and identify strategies to grow participation, has also received funding for a further four years.

AusPlay is Australia’s largest and most comprehensive participation survey, tracking trends and providing unique insights that informs government investment, policy and program delivery.

Additionally, $2.8 million has been allocated to develop a National Sport Injury database to inform safer practices in community sport, assist in injury prevention and increase participation.

Better sports injury data will improve understanding of how injuries occur and how they can be prevented. This will benefit individuals, sporting organisations and the health care system.

$10.6 million will also further support preparations for the Paralympic team ahead of Paris 2024.

This is on top of a $257 million funding commitment to sports for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic cycle, the first time the AIS has allocated funds for a full Games cycle.

$27.3 million was also committed to maintaining integrity of sport in Australia, covering areas such as anti-doping measures, anti-match fixing regulations and education of sport participants.

The ASC has also welcomed funding to support the legacy outcomes for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2023 World Transplant Games.