An independent review into the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Infrastructure has delivered its report to the Australian Government.
The review has found that the AIS should remain located at its current site in Bruce in Canberra, and the Government has accepted this recommendation.
Announced in October 2023, the review was led by Ms Erin Flaherty and Ms Robyn Smith OAM.
The review considered the optimal location for the AIS, the level of investment required, including appropriate accommodation facilities for athletes and staff, and international best practice.
There was broad-based support from stakeholders that the AIS campus at Bruce had unique attributes as a high-performance facility.
The Government will consider the remaining recommendations, including those for the revitalisation of the Bruce campus, as part of its 2024-25 Budget deliberations. The Government intends to release the findings of the review once it has fully considered the report’s findings.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“I thank the reviewers for their report, which undertook the important work of examining the facilities the AIS needs to achieve its purpose.
“This is critical to ensuring the AIS delivers on its responsibilities to make sure it can support high-performance athletes with a national approach that drives international competitiveness and success at major sporting events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Anika Wells:
“Keeping the AIS in Canberra will help guide effective investment in sporting facilities to ensure the AIS continues to best support high-performance athletes on the road to Brisbane 2032.
“It is clear that any relocation would compromise athlete preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, so I am pleased to offer certainty for the Australian sporting community as our Aussie athletes prepare to compete at our home Games.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:
“I’m pleased that this independent review has recommended that the Australian Institute of Sport should stay in Canberra and that the Government has accepted this recommendation.
“Canberra has been the home of the AIS for more than 40 years, but like many of our national institutions, it was neglected by the former Liberal/³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Government.
“The Albanese Government cares about our city, and will continue to do what’s right for Canberrans, including sorting out the future of the AIS.”
