Page 731 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 29 March 2006
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people. It is something worth preserving and there are some real concerns in the sports industry in relation to the functional review.
I thought that probably the simplest way I could speak to my motion and show the need for a commitment by the government to what I am asking for—that is, a guarantee that the office of Sport and Recreation ACT will remain in one department—would be to read out a couple of letters. The first one, addressed to Mr Stanhope, was from the touch football association. I think that it encapsulates the argument very well. The person who sent the letter, Mark Spear, acknowledged his concern about the functional review and the effect it might have on the industry and then he stated:
Sport and recreation is a significant industry sector in the ACT which provides numerous economic, social and health benefits to the ACT.
In March 2004 the industry representative group ACTSPORT, in conjunction with the ACT Government, released the Impact of Sport and Recreation on the ACT study conducted by ACIL Tasman detailing the contribution of the industry to the ACT economy and the community.
• In 2000/01 the ACT sport and recreation industry had a total output of $340 million.
• The Gross State Product (GSP) in 2000/01 was estimated at $113.5 million. ABS statistics indicate that the GSP had grown by 40 per cent between 1994/95 and 2000/01.
• The export revenue generated by the sport and recreation industry for the hosting of events is $15.1 million and represents $7.6 million of GSP.
• More than 3,400 people are employed by the industry.
• The industry involves 30,400 volunteers providing an estimated 2.3 million man hours to the value of $44.3 million annually or 0.36 per cent of GSP in 2000/01.
• Increased physical activity in the workforce leads to a reduction in absenteeism ranging from 14 to 50 per cent. (Tasman Asia Pacific 1998)
• The impact of workplace physical activity programs can reduce short-term sick leave 6-32 per cent and increase productivity by 2-20 per cent. (WHO 2003)
He went on to state:
I am aware that participation in sport and recreation leads to improved health benefits and reduces the burden of costs associated with disease and injury. Increased levels of physical activity is associated with
• preventing cardiovascular disease
• prevention and control of diabetes
• the primary prevention of some cancers
• the promotion of mental health
• reducing the incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity.
• If all Canberrans were sufficiently active to gain health benefits, the ACT’s health expenditure in 2000/01 could have been reduced by $18.4 million.
The industry also wants and needs one point of contact within Government which understands and responds to all facets of their business.
Specifically related to Touch Football in the ACT, I am concerned about the rumoured outcome of this review will involve the dissolution of Sport and Rec ACT and its functions will then be spread across four other governmental departments.
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