Federal departmental responsibility for sport moves from health to sit with infrastructure, communications and the arts

Yesterday’s announcement of cabinet positions by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which saw Anika Wells remain as Minister for Sport while acquiring the Communications portfolio, has been followed by a change in departmental structure in relation to sport.

Responsibility for sport will now move from the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to an enlarged Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Traditionally a ‘minor’ departmental function, the move of the sport function would seem to indicate a change of Federal Government emphasis from sport having a role in preventative health to its function in the development of infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

Potentially it also suggests that - as part of the communications function - the new administration may be set to advance potential restrictions on gambling advertising in sport which stalled in the last Federal Parliament.

In addition, while Minister Wells has been seen as an effective performer as Minister for Aged Care, her performance as Minister for Sport is viewed as being less effective.

Image: Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells with Australian Diamonds.