Ministers announce national framework to combat match-fixing

Sports Ministers across the country have today joined forces to target match-fixing: one of the greatest threats to the integrity of sport.

The announcement was made at the Sport Minister's Council meeting on the Gold Coast with the various Sports Ministers signing the National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said match-fixing and corruption in sport had emerged as a critical issue facing Australian and international sport. 

"Australia's National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport represents a commitment by the Federal and State and Territory governments to work together to address the issue of inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting and match-fixing activities with the aim of protecting the integrity of sport," Mr Waldron said.

"Importantly we have managed to protect Western Australia's particular interests in the development of the policy framework.

"For instance, WA has a unique method of directing revenue from sports wagering to grassroots sports and we are very keen to maintain that model."

The Policy is underpinned by the following agreed principles:

• A nationally-consistent approach to deterring and dealing with match-fixing in Australia

• Information sharing and highly efficient networks between governments, major sports, betting operators and law enforcers

• Consistent national code of conduct principles for sport

• Active participation in international efforts to combat corruption in sport, including an international code of conduct and an international body. 

The Policy will also provide the basis for Australia to actively participate in international reforms to achieve similar international outcomes.

Minister's office - 9213 7200