Governments Have Busy Year In Sports Industry
The Australian Government kicked off January by upholding their decision to deport Novak Djokovic, which was followed in February by the Victorian Government, who announced that clubs could again apply for a grant to promote gender equality in sport.
In March, several events were moved out of Russia due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine, which included the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix being cancelled and the Premier League stopping Russian broadcasts.
In April, the Australian Federal Budget 2022-23 allocated $155 million to sport, before the New South Wales Government committed to a $230,000 pilot program delivered as part of the Greater Sydney 24-Hour Economy Strategy.
In June, the Queensland Government allocated $45 million to grassroots clubs as a funding relief package:
Sport and active recreation are pivotal to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. We’re encouraging club volunteers and local councils, as facility owners or managers, who need to help with the recovery of their sport facilities to jump online for this latest round of emergency funding. There were 37 Queensland local government areas affected by the recent extreme weather events. Multiple avenues of recovery funding remain open including the Level 1 Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program grants ($5000), QRIDA grants – the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority ($50,000) and the jointly funded DRFA Sport and Recreation Recovery grants (up to $20,000) – Stirling Hinchcliffe, Queensland Sport Minister
June also saw the new Australian Government announce Anika Wells as the Federal Minister for Sport, before she became a board member of the Brisbane 2032 local organising committee.
Djokovic denied entry and deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open
Former World no.1 tennis star, Novak Djokovic, kicked 2022 off in the headlines after being forced out of the Australian Open in January when his Visa was cancelled and he was deported.
Having had his visa cancelled by MP and then minister for immigration, Alex Hawke, Djokovic fought the decision.
The case was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia, which ruled unanimously to deport the Serbian tennis star.
Despite having received exemptions from both Tennis Australia and the state government of Victoria, it was the federal government that turned the nine-time champion away as he was not vaccinated against COVID, a requirement for any foreign traveller attempting to enter Australia at the time.
Sporting World stood against the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 22 February, the sporting world reacted with sanctions and bans to stand against the military move.
The 2022 Russian Grand Prix was cancelled by Formula 1 and the contract to host the race in future years, reportedly valued at US$53 million (AUD$79 million), was cancelled.
England’s Premier League cancelled its Russian broadcast deal with Okko Sport, with the league and teams deciding to donate £1 million (USD$1.3 million) to support the Ukrainian people.
Additionally, the Russian national football team was banned from qualifying for this year’s World Cup, the Champions League was moved out of Russia, and the International Olympic Committee, along with many other sporting organisations, banned Russian athletes from competition.
The broadcasting of key sports competitions like the AFL premiership helps to create shared experiences, foster a collective Australian identity, and contributes to grassroots community-based sports participation – Michelle Rowland, Federal Communications Minister
Australian government pressured the AFL to keep games on free-to-air television
In a year where the AFL media rights were up for negotiation, the Australian government put pressure on the league to keep games on free-to-air television.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the AFL were considering delaying two games per week, by 2 hours, in an effort to gain greater exclusivity for Fox Sports and streaming service, Kayo.
Had the plan gone ahead, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia could have seen a 30-40% decrease in live matches on free-to-air TV.
AIS Commits $257 million to 2024 Paris Olympics
$257 million in funding was announced by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to support Australia’s efforts towards the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
It is the first time that funds have been allocated by the AIS for a full games cycle.
The grants began on 1 July and will continue every year until 2034, with similar packages to be announced for upcoming Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Additionally, the AIS increased funding in a number of other sports including women’s rugby 7’s, canoe, rowing, surfing, skate and table tennis.
PGA European Tour partners with UN for net-zero emissions by 2030
In October, the PGA European Tour announced that they had become a signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.
In signing the framework, the PGA affirmed a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 as part of the UN’s ‘Race to Zero’ pledge.
The five key principles the framework focuses on include promoting sustainability, reducing climate impact, education on climate action, promoting responsible consumption and advocating for climate action.
To close out 2022…
In October, the Australian Olympic Committee announced that it will receive a winter sports funding package in the lead up to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan.
