Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib welcomes Olympic efforts to tackle Games fixing

Federal Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has welcomed the announcement that a dedicated British police unit is to be set up to target illegal betting and attempts to bribe athletes at this year's Olympic Games in London.

The unit, announced by UK Sports and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, will be led by the Metropolitan Police and will work with the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Interpol to monitor any suspicious gambling activity.

Senator Arbib said the announcement showed how seriously the Olympic movement took the threat of match fixing, stating "the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been leading international efforts to encourage greater co-operation between governments and law enforcement agencies to tackle match fixing and corruption in sport.

"The Australian and UK Governments and the Australian Olympic Committee have been heavily involved in those efforts, attending the IOC's summit on match fixing last year.

"I am very pleased to see the UK Government and Minister Robertson placing so much emphasis on this issue and sending a message to international betting syndicates that law enforcement will be watching out for any illegal activities during the Games.

"I am sure our athletes will also welcome this announcement which will help to ensure they are competing on a fair and level playing field."

Australian Governments last year agreed to a National Policy on Match Fixing including nationally-consistent criminal laws.