Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe was invited to outline the strengths and capabilities of the agency at a global integrity forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday.
The forum, facilitated by the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations (iNADO), brought together over 25 leaders from countries who are looking to expand their remit beyond anti-doping into a broader sport integrity framework.
Australia was one of the first countries in the world to merge their anti-doping operations into a comprehensive integrity agency, incorporating the anti-doping functions with safeguarding, match-fixing and wagering.
Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe said he is heartened and excited by the positive direction the world is taking to protect the integrity of sport, which is evidenced by the large number of countries in attendance.
"It is exciting to have such a high level of global interest in how Australia and other countries are responding to emerging threats to sports integrity," Mr Sharpe said. "As we were one of the first countries in the world to deliver an all-encompassing sport integrity agency, we have been able to share our experiences and lessons learnt on the world stage.
"We have been able to offer advice on issues, such as structure and capabilities, while governance considerations and legislative programs were also key areas of interest."
He said the forum highlighted what could be achieved through collaboration, with leaders working with each other to achieve the best possible outcome for both sport and athletes.
"Forums such as this only help to strengthen the global response and build a sustainable global partnership for the future," Mr Sharpe said.
He said strategically it was important to work together as integrity issues do not stop at the border.
"If we are going to protect the integrity of sport on a global perspective it is imperative to have as many countries as possible operating at the same level," Mr Sharpe said.
