Australian Olympic Committee welcomes Government funding

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) today welcomed the Federal Government’s $513 million investment which includes high performance funding for Olympic member sports. 

AOC President, Ian Chesterman, thanked the Federal Government describing their ongoing commitment as the vital assurance required for Australia’s sport system at a critical period leading into the LA28 Olympic Games and beyond at the French Alps in 2030 and ultimately Brisbane 2032. 

“The AOC warmly welcomes this investment and thanks the Australian Government, and in particular Minister for Sport The Hon Anika Wells MP, whose leadership and commitment has been central to the Government’s continued investment in high performance Olympic sport. 

“High performance outcomes are built over time — it takes at least six years of investment, planning and support to deliver results on the world stage. This funding is vital to sustaining Australia’s success at Los Angeles in 2028, the French Alps in 2030 and the Home Games in Brisbane 2032. 

“We are particularly delighted the Federal Government has recognised the Australian Olympic Team’s record results at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a record boost in funding for the winter sports system.   

“The progressive success we have seen by Australia’s winter athletes highlights what can be achieved when Government’s invest consistently over a prolonged period — not only in programs through the Olympic Winter Institute and member sports but in infrastructure, including the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne and initiatives such as the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane,” Chesterman said.        

Attending today’s announcement, Chef de Mission for the LA28 Australian Olympic Team, Anna Meares, said the certainty provided by this investment is critical as sports intensify their preparations for LA28. 

“As we approach the two year mark to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and look further towards Brisbane 2032, this level of investment gives our athletes, coaches and sports the certainty and confidence to plan, prepare and perform over the long term. 

“We appreciate the cost pressures that Australians and our Governments are feeling, and it is heartening that the Australian Government has recognised the importance that sport plays in our communities. 

“Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians unite Australians and inspire them to dream big and be their best. The impact of their achievements extends well beyond sport — it strengthens communities and contributes positively to society.   

“That is why it is so important that Governments continue to invest in high performance sport and a sport system that collaborates to achieve extraordinary performances,” said Meares.  

Also in attendance at today’s announcement, Chef de Mission of the 2026 Australian Winter Olympic Team, Alisa Camplin, said this record boost in funding for winter sports was both deserved and gratefully received. 

“At the recent Milano Cortina Games, Australia was rewarded and internationally recognised for its world-leading well-coordinated high performance winter sport system, created through decades of efficient, focused and aligned work.  

“Our current and aspiring athletes are incredibly thankful to have continued certainty of funding for the years ahead, with this funding package set to expand opportunities for more winter sport athletes, coaches and emerging sport programs,” said Camplin.  

Australian Olympic Committee