1. The Kangaroos agreement does not identify specific benefits to be gained by the Territory through this arrangement. However, one can envisage that the Territory will continue to gain direct financial benefits from tourists as was the case in the first two years.

From the perspective of the sport, the benefits of the promotion of the code in the ACT are more evident. In 2002, 2748 children aged 16 and under registered to play junior Australian Football in the ACT, an increase of 10% since 1999. The greatest increase has occurred solely in the junior AUSKICK program (a modified skill development program aimed at boys and girls under 8 years) growing from 689 participants in 1999 to over 1100 in 2002. It is envisaged that this growth will continue in 2003.

2. There has been no change to the agreement since it was first signed off in 2000. Negotiations have commenced for a further three year agreement (2004-2006) to host Kangaroo home games at Manuka Oval but are yet to be finalised.

3. The advice provided by the Manuka Oval Management Company, managers of Manuka Oval, indicates that the cost of preparing the facility (not just the playing surface) for a Kangaroos game is $15,000.

As the maintenance of the playing surface is undertaken by ACT Cricket for an agreed monthly sum of $13750 it is not possible to extrapolate the precise cost of any one major event, particularly if it should fall at the time of change over from summer to winter sports or vice versa.

4. No. Under the current Kangaroos agreement, there is a hire fee of $1 for use of Manuka Oval.

6. As evidenced in the response to Question 1, it is clear that the Kangaroos provide junior development programs in the ACT. It is understood that players are made available for school visits and Auskick clinics regularly throughout the year. As the current agreement holds no contractual obligation upon the Kangaroos to undertake junior development programs, no data has been sought from, or provided by, the Kangaroos on this matter.

7. The operating subsidy for Manuka Oval is $312,000 in 2002/3 and $240,000 in the out years of 2003/4,2004/5 and 2005/6. This consists of a base level of $150,000 (provided within the Sport and Recreation ACT budget) and the additional funds as you have highlighted.