06 May 2009

The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today announced Mr Matt Miller as the new Executive Director of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). 

Mr Miller comes to the ASC from his previous role as the General Manager of the Australian Child Support Agency. He replaces Mr Mark Peters, who resigned from the position late last year.

Prior to leading a successful three year reform of the Australian Child Support System, Mr Miller was the Queensland Commissioner for Fair Trading, working with both business and stakeholders to improve market outcomes.

‘Mr Miller has a proven track record of working closely and constructively with stakeholders to achieve improved outcomes for the Australian community,’ Ms Ellis said.

‘He also brings more than 30 years of experience in economic and social policy to the Commission and comes from a role managing 4,000 staff and an annual operating budget of more than $450 million,’ Ms Ellis said.

‘The Government has not shied away from the fact that sport in Australia currently faces significant challenges and I am confident that Mr Miller and the ASC Board have the capacity and rigour to meet these challenges in partnership with the Government and sports community.

‘I am looking forward to working with Mr Miller and as a priority he has agreed to work with the Commission Board to evaluate how the ASC can improve the effectiveness of its programs and to identify opportunities to strengthen the overall operation of the Australian Sports System.

Following feedback, the Minister has also requested that Mr Miller with the Board investigate opportunities to streamline the administrative requirements on sport.

‘While it is important that National Sporting Organisations are accountable for government funding – it is also critical they are not tied up in excessive red tape and have the capacity to get on with what they do best - building sport and promoting participation. 

‘I would also like to acknowledge the outgoing Acting Executive Director, Mr Brent Espeland AM for his significant contributions to Australian sport,’ Ms Ellis said.

The Minister also announced the extension of Mr Greg Hartung OAM as the Commission Chair and Ms Alisa Camplin OAM as Deputy Chair.

Media inquiries: please contact Jimmy Sullivan at the Minister's Office on 0423 290 646