In a bid to combat corruption in Australian sport, Sport Integrity Australia has aligned with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to ensure that it is equipped to deal with various integrity threats.
The collaboration seeks to help ‘deliver a broad range of intelligence capabilities and information sharing’ to protect sporting integrity and combat potential corruption threats.
ACIC Chief Executive Officer Michael Phelan commented: “Collaborations such as this with Sport Integrity Australia will go a long way to strengthening the protective measures already in place.
“Together we are stronger and this agreement will ensure the coordination of a national approach to all sports integrity matters as they emerge.”
The agreement will build upon previous arrangements made between the two entities, moreover, the deal includes the secondment of ACIC personnel to help develop the framework for the delivering of Stage 2 of Sport Integrity Australia. Stage 2 will feature initiatives such developing policy and potential regulation around match-fixing, betting, wagering and whistleblower protection.
Sport Integrity Australia Chief Executive Officer David Sharpe added: “Partnerships like this are crucial in helping us protect the integrity of Australian sport and the health and welfare of those who participate in sport.”
The official launch of the Sport Integrity Australia concluded Stage 1 of its operations, with the agency drawing together existing Commonwealth Sports Integrity functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, the National Integrity of Sport Unit from the Department of Health, and the safeguarding functions of Sport Australia.
Sport Integrity Australia details that Stage 2 will see enhanced functions implemented, including an Australian Wagering Scheme and enhanced outreach and education.
