Olympic great Kieren Perkins OAM has been appointed Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Executive Director (CEO) for a new five-year term.
Mr Perkins has been in the role since March 2022, leading the Commission through a period of remarkable success for Australian sport.
Supported by record funding from the Albanese Government, Australia has achieved its best-ever result at Summer and Winter Olympic Games, with a record medal haul at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Continuing leadership stability at the ASC will help the organisation in delivering Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy: Win Well as well as the Sport Participation Strategy: Play Well.
The "Win Well" strategy is underpinned by a record $489 million announced in 2024-25 towards the first two years of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
This includes a $54.9 million in additional para sport funding, doubling existing support. Programs as part of this uplift include targeted funding for Paralympians and specialised Para sport units in every state and territory.
Along with the ASC Board, Mr Perkins is also guiding the progress of the AIS Podium Project, following the Albanese Government's $249.7 million investment to revitalise the AIS site in Canberra.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
"I am delighted with the reappointment of Kieren as the CEO of the Australian Sports Commission.
"Kieren is fondly remembered by many Australians as a four-time Olympic medallist and a crowd favourite in a dominant era for Australian swimming. Now he's one of Australia's most effective and esteemed sports administrators.
"As Brisbane 2032 approaches, it's crucial the Australian Sports Commission has a reliable and respected set of hands at the wheel, and Kieren brings that and more to the table."
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, Kieren Perkins OAM:
"Sport has been one of the most influential forces in my life, and it is a privilege to continue to be involved through my role at the Australian Sports Commission.
"The Australian Sports Commission exists to serve all of sport. I want to acknowledge our people, who strive every day to create more opportunities in safe, welcoming and fun environments for all Australians, from playgrounds to podiums.
"I would also like to thank the Australian Government and Minister Wells for supporting me to continue in the role, and in the work that we do. The collaborative approach the sector is taking through this exciting period will ensure sport continues to play a pivotal role in the lives of all Australians.
"I look forward to continuing to work with our broad range of stakeholders in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 to create a sporting legacy that will benefit all Australians for generations to come."
Quotes attributable to the Chair of the Australian Sports Commission Board, Kate Jenkins AO:
"On behalf of the Australian Sports Commission, I am delighted that Kieren will remain our Chief Executive Officer for another five years.
"Australian sport is in a stronger position thanks to his leadership. Over the last four years, Kieren's focus on collaboration has led to significant milestones that have strengthened the system from community sport to the elite level.
"These include working with the government and sport sector to securing record funding to support delivery of the national sport participation strategy, Play Well, and the sector's high-performance strategy, Win Well, followed by the once-in-a-generation revitalisation of the AIS campus through the Podium Project.
"His reappointment ensures we can carry this momentum forward as we continue building on our vision where sport has a place for everyone and delivers results that make Australia proud."
