Federal Government Strengthens Historic Commitment to Paralympic Sport

Paralympics Australia has welcomed confirmation of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to the historic Para System Uplift funding and a boost for Australia’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The investment – announced today by Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells MP as part of the Australian Sports Commission’s $513 million Win Well funding package – provides critical certainty for high performance programs as Australia builds towards the Los Angeles 2028, French Alps 2030 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

Among the major features of the announcement for Para sport was confirmation of the continuation of the landmark Para Uplift initiative for another two years, maintaining the transformative investment first announced in 2024 that represented the single biggest increase in Paralympic sport funding by an Australian Government.

The package also includes a dedicated $2.4 million investment to support the ongoing preparation and delivery of the Australian Paralympic Team for LA 2028, providing critical early Games planning and operational support.

Paralympics Australia President Grant Mizens said the announcement reflected the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to ensure Para athletes are given the best possible opportunity to succeed.

“The Australian Government’s support for Paralympic sport continues to create opportunities that were previously out of reach for many athletes and sports,” Mr Mizens said.

“Maintaining this historic investment will continue to reduce longstanding barriers and inequities across the system while strengthening pathways for the next generation of Paralympians.

“On behalf of Paralympics Australia and the broader Paralympic Movement, we thank the Australian Government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Sport Anika Wells for their ongoing commitment to ensuring Para athletes have the backing they deserve to realise their potential.

“The continuation of Para Uplift funding provides confidence and certainty as we prepare for a significant period in Australian sport, including LA 2028, the French Alps 2030 Paralympic Winter Games and, of course, Brisbane 2032.

“Importantly, the additional investment towards LA 2028 team preparation recognises the significant planning and operational requirements involved in delivering a successful Australian Paralympic Team campaign and ensures that work can continue with confidence.”

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Cameron Murray said the investment would deliver benefits immediately and well into the future.

“This funding is changing lives and changing the trajectory of Paralympic sport in Australia,” Mr Murray said.

“The continuation of Para Uplift funding is helping create more equitable opportunities for athletes with disability through improved access to coaching, classification, performance services and fit-for-purpose training environments.

“We are already seeing the impact across the system as sports become better equipped to identify, support and develop talented Para athletes, and as athletes gain access to specialist support that helps them perform at their best.

“Equally important is the dedicated $2.4 million investment to support planning and preparation for the Australian Paralympic Team heading to Los Angeles.

“The delivery of a Paralympic Team is a complex undertaking that begins years before the Opening Ceremony. This funding provides critical support and planning certainty as we work alongside sports and athletes to deliver the best possible environment for success in LA.

“The Australian Government has recognised not only the performance potential of Paralympic sport, but also its power to inspire communities, challenge perceptions and help build a more inclusive Australia.

“Every Paralympic cycle is becoming more competitive and more sophisticated. Early investment in team preparation is essential if Australia is to remain among the world’s leading Paralympic nations.

“This announcement ensures we can continue building momentum towards LA 2028 while laying the foundations for French Alps 2030 and Brisbane 2032.”

More than 150 new Para athletes with elite potential were uncovered in the first 12 months of the Para Uplift with Para sport units also established in every state and territory.

The continued investment forms part of the Australian Government’s broader Win Well funding package, which will support high performance sport through to 2028 and help Australian athletes and teams prepare for a decade of major international competition.

Paralympics Australia