Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck –  Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Minister for Sport announces that:

Australian businesswoman and President of Australian Women’s Rugby – Josephine Sukkar AM – has been appointed Chair of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Ms Sukkar is an outstanding leader who brings thirty years of business experience to the role, as the co-founder and principal of Buildcorp Group, as well as a strong understanding of Australian sport.
“For three decades, Ms Sukkar has helped lead a successful Australian family-owned business through many challenges, including the Global Financial Crisis and most recently COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said.
“During this time, she has also been a strong contributor to the national sporting community, most notably driving increased female participation through her involvement in Australian Women’s Rugby.  “I am delighted she will now use her experience and passion to lead Australian sport as we navigate through a COVID-safe world.”

Ms Sukkar is the first female Chair of the ASC and will oversee Sport Australia, which is responsible for driving the broader sport sector, including participation and the Australian Institute of Sport, charged with the ongoing improvement of the nation’s high performing sport sector.  “Sporting clubs and organisations at every level faced the most challenging of circumstances in 2020. COVID-19 has changed how we all participate in or watch our favourite sports,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Ms Sukkar will play a vital part in shaping the future of sport and I look forward to working with her to ensure the sport sector in Australia is prepared, adaptable and resilient.”

Ms Sukkar said she was honoured to be appointed to the position and looks forward to fostering growth in Australian sport.
“I look forward to engaging with Australian athletes and sports organisations to address their challenges, particularly those posed by COVID-19,” Ms Sukkar said.  “I also want to help them achieve their goals and build participation in our many sports.”

Applicants for the position of Chair of the ASC were assessed by the newly formed Sport Appointments Selection Committee.  The appointment of Ms Sukkar is the first recommendation made by the Committee, which includes Paralympic wheelchair racer and leading coach Louise Sauvage, former Matildas vice-captain Moya Dodd, former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion Samantha Riley, Department of Health Associate Secretary Caroline Edwards, and is Chaired by former Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Warwick Smith AO.

Ms Sukkar will begin her new role on 8 February 2021 for a three year term.
Minister Colbeck thanked Acting Chair Steve Moneghetti AM for his leadership following the retirement of John Wylie AM in November.

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Authorised by Senator Richard Colbeck, Tasmania
Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Minister for Sport