The Australian Government tonight, as Oceania’s representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) executive committee, has voted to support sanctions against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
It follows a recommendation from the independent Compliance Review Committee, based on the results of ongoing investigations by WADA, that RUSADA be declared non-compliant under the World Anti-Doping Code.
RUSADA has the ability to appeal tonight’s decision via the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The WADA investigations revealed a clear and calculated intent to covertly manipulate data within the laboratory information management system, hide evidence and falsely blame others for it.
It follows earlier revelations of the Russian state-sponsored doping program.
Our athletes deserve to compete on a fair and even playing field both domestically and internationally.
The Australian Government will continue to advocate for clean and fair competition.
Key reforms are currently being implemented to safeguard the integrity of Australian sport and to combat present, emerging and future threats including doping, match-fixing, illegal betting, organised crime and corruption.
The Government is also establishing a new single national sports integrity agency, Sport Integrity Australia, bringing together ASADA, the National Integrity of Sport Unit and the national sports integrity functions of Sport Australia.
A new National Sports Tribunal has also been established to provide transparent, independent, and cost-effective resolution of sports disputes and will be trialled over two years, from early 2020.
