Andrew Leigh

Joint Media Release with
Alicia Payne
Member for Canberra

David Smith
Member for Bean

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

KEEPING THE AIS IN CANBERRA IS A WIN FOR AUSTRALIAN SPORT

As the federal representatives of the ACT’s three federal electorates, we welcome the Government’s decision to accept the recommendation of the Independent Review into the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Infrastructure to keep the AIS in Canberra. 

As we argued in our joint submission to the Independent Reviewers, Ms Erin Flaherty and Ms Robyn Smith OAM; the AIS has a proud history of sporting excellence and its future is in Canberra.

Keeping the AIS in Canberra avoids the considerable costs of relocation and allows those resources to instead be reinvested in upgrading and updating its facilities. It involves less disruption to the training regimes of athletes preparing for upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games.

Quotes attributable to Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner

“There’s no better place for the AIS than the national capital. As a sports tragic and a proud Canberra representative, I’ve worked hard with my colleagues for this outcome.

“Canberrans will be pleased, but the biggest winners are Australian sports, who will benefit from an AIS that stays in its perfect location. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the AIS plays an even stronger role in nurturing sporting excellence in the decades ahead.”

Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra

“I welcome the news that the Government has accepted the inquiry's recommendation to keep the AIS in Canberra. There are a range of reasons why the national capital is the natural place for the AIS as we set out in our submission.

“I am glad the AIS will continue its proud history of developing Australia’s elite athletes right here in Canberra.”

Quotes attributable to David Smith MP, Member for Bean

“I welcome the Government’s decision to accept the recommendation that the AIS remain in Canberra. This is a common sense and responsible decision from the Government that is a good outcome for Canberra and the future of Australian sport.”