Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator David Pocock for the question and for his interest in the AIS. As I think Senator Pocock knows, we have a review underway—it was announced on the weekend—to look at the AIS and whether it's fit for purpose and to understand the best approach to high performance as we move towards the Brisbane 2032 Games. As Senator Pocock understands, one of issues that will be looked at, which is in the terms of reference, is the location of the AIS. That is one of the issues the review is looking at.

The review is due to report to government by the end of this year, so it is a relatively quick review. But, because there is a review underway, I am not in a position to rule in or rule out anything or the government's position prior to that review reporting. The focus of the government is to ensure that we have the best facilities and that we have the best arrangements in place to deliver what athletes need in the lead-up to those important games. This is work that has to be done. I think everyone who has been to the AIS acknowledges that it has been neglected in terms of infrastructure and support. It's another area that we have inherited. We are working through how to address it.

Well, you had a decade. I understand, Senator Canavan, there were repeated requests for investments in the AIS that were ignored when you were in government. That is the reality of it.

Interject all you like. Everyone who has bothered to go out there and have a look might realise that it hasn't received the investment that it has needed to remain the premier facility that we need for athletes in the future. (Time expired)