Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services
Minister for Sport
Australian sporting legend, Kieren Perkins OAM is today confirmed as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).
Best known as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers. Mr Perkins brings a wealth of corporate and sports administration experience to the role.
Most recently, Mr Perkins served as the President of Swimming Australia and has previously been a Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission (2001-2007).
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, has welcomed the appointment.
“Sport plays an incredibly important role in Australia, and we are delighted to have Mr Perkins lead the ASC at this pivotal time,” Minster Colbeck said.
“As one of our greatest ever Olympians, Mr Perkins brings first-hand experience of high-performance sport as well as an intrinsic understanding of the important role grassroots sport plays in the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
“With a decade of major events on the horizon in the lead up to Brisbane 2032, there is plenty to look forward to in Australian sport and we look forward to Mr Perkins continuing to have a positive impact on our nation.”
Mr Perkins said he was excited to be stepping into the role.
“I could not be more thrilled and honoured to be appointed to lead the ASC as Australian sport looks forward to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Perkins said.
“It’s the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia.
“As an athlete and administrator, I have lived the importance of a symbiotic sport system that has strong grass roots participation, underpinned by volunteerism, helping uncover and develop the ambitious talent that will represent our country on the world’s biggest stages.
“My corporate experience gives me the business and relationship skills required to bring together the important stakeholders pivotal in ensuring sport flourishes.
“The decade leading to 2032 is a generational opportunity to build a lasting legacy for all sport, in an environment that allows everyone involved to safely live all of the positive life experiences sport can bring.”
ASC Chair, Ms Josephine Sukkar AM said the ASC is delighted to welcome someone of such high calibre to the role.
“We are entering the most exciting decade ever in Australian sport and Mr Perkins is the right person to lead the ASC on this journey,” Ms Sukkar said.
“His background left the ASC Board in no doubt he was the standout candidate to lead the ASC on our mission to make Australia stronger through sport and build sustainable winning systems for Australian athletes.”
Minister Colbeck also acknowledged the guidance and professionalism of outgoing Sport Australia Chief Executive Rob Dalton and Australian Institute of Sport Chief Executive Peter Conde.
“Both have shown exemplary leadership as athletes and sporting bodies have encountered the extraordinary challenges of the last two years,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australian sport is well-positioned for the opportunities that lay ahead due to their hard work.”
Mr Perkins will commence in the role in the first quarter of 2022. Mr Dalton will continue as Acting CEO until Mr Perkins starts.
Kieren Perkins OAM
- Won successive Olympic gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Games
- 1992 Young Australian of the Year
- Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002
- ASC Commissioner 2001-2007
- World Olympians Association Board Member 2003-2007
- Starlight Children’s Foundation Board Member 2001-2016
- Swimming Australia Board Member 2001-2008 & 2019-2021
- Swimming Australia President 2020-2021
- National Australia Bank Executive 2009-2021
- CEO of Australia Unity Bank 2021
