Sports Minister Jackie Kelly last night announced a total of $548 million for sport*, but there was next to nothing in it for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport, despite their urgent need for sporting infrastructure.
“Given Mr Howard’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s XI versus ATSIC Chairman’s XI cricket match in Canberra last month, there was an expectation that finally Indigenous Australians would get a fair go from the Coalition,” Senator Lundy, the Shadow Minister for Sport, said today..
“Sadly, this expectation has not been fulfilled.
“According to Budget papers, of the $161 million allocated over four years for ‘A More Active Australia’, a miserly $1.5 million is earmarked for Indigenous Sports Programmes.
“The Budget papers also note that donations to the Bradman Memorial Fund will be used for the “encouragement” of cricket in disadvantaged and Indigenous communities.
“Not only is there is no commitment to continue the Prime Minister’s XI versus ATSIC Chairman’s XI cricket match, but the $100,000 cost of hosting the PM’s cricket match had to be paid for by ATSIC and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
“There is an appalling lack of sporting and recreational infrastructure in rural and remote communities, and the needs of Aboriginal and Islander communities have been ignored yet again by the Coalition.
“The Howard Government’s funding package for sport services the elite end of town, but its meanness towards Indigenous sporting needs is disgraceful.
“Aboriginal and Islander peoples have a proud and magnificent record in sport and it is to their discredit that there is nothing of any substance in this budget to build on their achievements,” Senator Lundy concluded.
*Includes new and existing funding over four years.
60/01. Media contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
