Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Can I say that it is not the government but the independent Australian Olympic Committee that is responsible for sending teams to Winter and Summer Olympic Games. The committee is independent from government. I share Senator McKenzie's view and I don't believe the Australian Olympic Committee requires financial assistance from the government—in fact, it's quite proud of the fact it doesn't receive any. It is clearly outlined in the AOC's objectives that the AOC has exclusive authority for the representation of and participation by Australia at the Olympic Games, Winter Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Winter Youth Olympic Games and regional games, including the selection and discipline of all members of the team who represent Australia at those games.