Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks to Senator Scarr for the supplementary. It demonstrates the importance of these events and what the industry of sport can bring to the Australian economy. Currently in Australia the sports industry employs a workforce of more than 220,000 people. It's responsible for spending more than $12 billion through sport and sport infrastructure each year. That's why this is so serious. Securing major international sporting events, such as the Olympics, not only inspires the next generation of athletes in this country but also strengthens Australia's sports industry. It strengthens those numbers that I've just talked about. Our government is also committed to the development of the sports industry growth plan. We announced that as part of our 2030 sports plan, which was presented by Senator McKenzie last year. We have a very, very strong commitment to the sports sector in this country and to the employment that goes with it.