Federal Government announces independent review of Canberra's Australian Institute of Sport

Amid speculation that the Federal Government is considering its relocation, the Federal Government has announced that it is to undertake a "clear-eyed view" of the Canberra-based Australian Institute of Sport, announcing an independent review to help guide investment in sporting facilities to ensure the training institution continues to best support high-performance athletes.

The Independent Review into the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Infrastructure will help guide investment in sporting facilities to ensure the AIS continues to best support high-performance athletes.

The independent review will be led by corporate governance expert Erin Flaherty and leading sport administrator and Dean of School of the Management at RMIT University Robyn Smith.

Key considerations will include the optimal location for the AIS, including consideration within the context of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and options for any revitalisation of the existing AIS campus in Canberra.

It will also consider the level of investment required, including appropriate accommodation facilities for athletes and staff.

Federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has said the review offers the opportunity for a "fresh look" and to "make some big decisions" in relation to the future of the Canberra-based “national home of sport”.

Announcing the review, the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (significantly not the Department of Health and Aged Care - which includes the Office of Sport, ed) advises “it is important that we hear from the community about whether the AIS is fit-for-purpose in the lead up to important future sporting events including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The review will provide a report to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Minister for Aged Care and Sport in late 2023, with prioritised options for consideration by government.

The findings of the review will be subsequently released once considered by the Australian Government.

Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the independent review by Tuesday 21st November 2023.

To make a submission, go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/fit-purpose-australian-institute-sport