"The Macolin Convention is the only multilateral treaty specifically aimed at combating match-fixing and other related corruption in sport," Minister McKenzie said.
"This signing is another major step to protect the safety, fairness and integrity of the sporting competitions we all enjoy so much.
"Australia was a key contributor to the drafting of the Macolin Convention and we are the first country outside of Europe to sign up.
"I have had strong representations at home and internationally for Australia to join the Macolin Convention.
"By engaging formally with the parties to the Macolin Convention, Australia is now empowered to create a fully effective national platform to enhance detection of, and nationally coordinate responses to, match-fixing and related corruption of Australian sport and sports competitions."
Membership of the 'Macolin Community' will enable Australia to obtain formal ongoing access to international counterparts and meetings to work together and drive the measures to combat corruption in global sport.
"By becoming a Party to the Macolin Convention, we can now begin work to pass national match-fixing criminal legislation and support an effective global response to international sport integrity matters," Minister McKenzie said.
"Australians love their sport and the criminal element is on notice and will be eradicated.
"Australia is a world leader in the sports integrity field, and has an international reputation as a strong advocate for effective integrity protections."
