Sport Integrity Australia: the federal sports-integrity regulator
Sport Integrity Australia commenced 1 July 2020 under the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020. It administers anti-doping, match-fixing prevention, and member-protection across Australian sport.
Why the agency was created
Sport Integrity Australia was established by the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020, commencing operations on 1 July 2020. The agency’s creation represented a significant shift in the approach to sports integrity in Australia.
The agency consolidated functions previously managed by three separate bodies: the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, the National Integrity of Sport Unit, and elements of Sport Australia. This consolidation aimed to streamline processes and improve coordination across various integrity functions.
The primary purpose of establishing Sport Integrity Australia is to serve as the Commonwealth’s single point of contact for sports-integrity matters within Australia.
What it does
Sport Integrity Australia’s core functions relate to maintaining integrity within Australian sport. A key responsibility is administering the World Anti-Doping Code, which involves conducting tests and investigating, and prosecuting, alleged anti-doping rule violations. These cases are heard through the National Sports Tribunal.
Beyond anti-doping, the organisation works to prevent and address match-fixing and competition manipulation. This is achieved through collaboration with state and territory law enforcement agencies, guided by the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport.
Sport Integrity Australia also focuses on member protection, addressing safeguarding and abuse within sport through a National Integrity Framework. Furthermore, the organisation supports sports to develop and implement integrity practices through education and capability building.
The National Sports Tribunal
The National Sports Tribunal was created by the National Sports Tribunal Act 2019. It provides a specialist forum for resolving disputes within the Australian sporting sector.
The tribunal hears a range of matters, including alleged anti-doping rule violations, disputes relating to athlete selection and eligibility, and other integrity issues. These matters are referred to the tribunal by participating sports.
Decisions made by the tribunal are binding on those participating sports, provided they have formally adopted the tribunal’s jurisdiction within their own constitutions.
Sports that participate
National Sporting Organisations may choose to participate in the National Integrity Framework. Those that opt in agree to abide by its policies covering anti-doping, match-fixing, member protection, child safeguarding, and complaints.
Commonwealth funding for sports is typically dependent on their participation in the National Integrity Framework. This means that organisations seeking funding must agree to the framework’s requirements.
The rules established within the National Integrity Framework apply to athletes, coaches, and officials involved in sports that participate.
Frequently asked
When did Sport Integrity Australia commence?
1 July 2020, under the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020. It consolidated functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, the National Integrity of Sport Unit and elements of Sport Australia.
What is the National Sports Tribunal?
An independent tribunal established by the National Sports Tribunal Act 2019. It hears alleged anti-doping rule violations, selection and eligibility disputes, and other integrity matters referred by participating sports. Decisions are binding under sports' constitutional adoption of the tribunal's jurisdiction.