David Coleman (Banks, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Australia is a proud sporting nation. We have a well-earned reputation of competing hard but competing fairly. However, inevitably from time to time sports disciplinary matters arise that require resolution through formal processes. When this happens it is important that there are cost-effective, transparent and consistent policies for resolution. Australia's current sports dispute resolution mechanisms lag behind many similar countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. They are inconsistent and subject to accusations of bias, and they lack powers to get to the truth. They can be costly for participants, and issues can take excessive time to be resolved, particularly when matters have to be resolved in overseas jurisdictions.

The new National Sports Tribunal will eliminate these problems. As identified by the earlier version of this legislation introduced prior to the election, the government will pilot the National Sports Tribunal over two years to ensure it works at its very best, giving sports and participants access to clearer, faster, transparent and cost-effective resolutions of antidoping rule violations and other sports related disputes. I know many sports have been calling for such a tribunal. The government has listened and is delivering. I thank all members for their contributions to the debate on this bill.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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