An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $20 million to expand the reach of Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) across every state and territory, ensuring young athletes, no matter where they live, have access to world-class high-performance training and development.
Regional Academies of Sport have been instrumental in the success of 98 Olympians and 14 Paralympians in Australia, including some of our most iconic athletes such as Jessica Fox, Emma McKeon, Kurt Fearnley and Ryley Batt.
RAS are an organisation working in the talent pathway with the goal to move regional athletes to the National Institutes around the nation. For many decades the RAS system has proven to be a successful model in developing aspiring young people with a strong track record in creating Australia’s future sporting champions, but a strong resilient next generation of leaders.
This investment will enable the expansion of RAS into new regions, broadening our reach and impact ensuring national coverage. Additionally, it will support existing academies by enhancing the provision of specialised content and collaboration with an ever-expanding academy network. National talent identification events will be held, with centralised management and alignment to identify and nurture talent to broaden the pool of pre-elite athletes into the National Institute Network (NIN).
Research shows that it takes an athlete 10-12 years to reach the podium. The majority of the 2032 Australian Olympic team are currently 14-18 years old, with 90% of RAS athletes in this age bracket. Investing in their development now is crucial for Australia’s success in Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
RAS are dedicated to identifying young regional talent, educating and developing young athletes and providing opportunities in sporting pathways. In 2024, RAS supported approximately 5 000 regional athletes across 29 different sports, with 85% of participants aged 13-17, 55% female participation, and 7.5% Indigenous participation.
Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, spoke about the election commitment, stating “This significant investment backs our aspiring young athletes across Australia and ensures that opportunities will exist for them in every corner of the country, especially in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.”
“Regional athletes have made an incredibly important contribution to Australia’s international sporting reputation, and it’s time they have a comprehensive academy system that recognises and supports that value,” finished Mrs Ruston.
Brett O’Farrell, Group Chief Executive Officer of Regional Academies of Sport Ltd added, “We are grateful for the support of our Bound for Brisbane campaign. The chance to cultivate the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic champions has never been more significant. We eagerly anticipate expanding our network nationwide and offering opportunities to young athletes in regional areas.”
Please find the official Coalition Media Release here
For further comment, please contact:
Brett O’Farrell
Group Chief Executive Officer – Regional Academies of Sport Ltd
brett@regionalacademies.org.au
Bianca Wellings
Group Communications and Marketing Manager – Regional Academies of Sport Ltd
bianca@regionalacademies.org.au
0413 976 707