Sport and recreation is an integral part of Australian culture and there are many benefits associated with participating in sport and physical activity , including enjoyment, social interaction, health, personal achievement, national pride and community involvement. In many ways sport unites and personifies the nation. Interestingly, we competed internationally as 'Australia' in sport before we federated as a nation.
Governments invest in sport because it returns both tangible and intangible benefits to the nation.
Federal, State, Territory and local governments all play an important role in the development of Australian sport. The provision of quality facilities, whether they be state of the art stadiums or community cycling paths , encourage physical activity and, importantly, good health. The Sport and Recreation Ministers' Council provides the major mechanism for liaison between the Commonwealth Government and State and Territory Governments on matters concerned with sport and recreation in Australia. The Council is a forum for consultation and cooperation between the respective governments, its membership comprising ministers with prime responsibility for sport and recreation. For the purposes of elite sport development, the ASC integrates sports science and medical services, sports management activities and funding, as well as athlete welfare and technical support services.