The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $15.5 million commitment to maintain high performance funding, particularly in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget.

ASC Chair John Wylie says the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a key benchmark event for Australia, and as such we are very pleased funding is maintained to sport programs for the Games next year.

"The Commonwealth Games is one of the largest sporting events in the world with over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories participating. This funding will ensure the ASC can provide full support for high performance to the national sporting organisations and thereby contribute to a better chance of success at the Commonwealth Games," Wylie said.

"The Budget also includes a Future Fund which will be used to provide funding to new Olympic sports that can demonstrate medal potential for Tokyo 2020.

"The ASC is also working closely with Government to assess the viability of establishing a national lottery to support Australian sport.

"The Commission also welcomes the Budget announcement about the development of a National Sport Plan in which for the first time, the Australian public will be canvassed for its opinion about priorities in the sports sector.

"The process to develop the Plan will involve consultation with the sport, health and education sectors as well as the states and territories and the Australian community.  The focus of the community’s feedback will be on sport participation and physical activity, high performance sport, sports integrity, major sporting events, sporting infrastructure, revenue for sport and sporting organisations.

"The ASC also welcomes $30 million the Federal Government is investing to assist women’s sport with better access to subscription TV opportunities."