Sport Legislation Amendment (World Anti-Doping Code Implementation) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Roberts commended the bill for protecting sporting integrity and ensuring fair competition for athletes at all levels. Roberts explained that the reforms provide independent review pathways for therapeutic use exemption refusals and remove conflicts of interest by having Sport Integrity Australia impose sanctions. Roberts emphasised that the legislation balances transparency with privacy, particularly for vulnerable participants. Roberts linked the bill to broader government investments in sport infrastructure and integrity, noting a commitment of $20.1 million to Sport Integrity Australia in the 2026-27 budget.

Violi supported the legislation as essential for maintaining clean sport and community confidence in athletic competitions. Violi paid tribute to a local community sports figure who had recently passed away, highlighting the social value of grassroots sport. Violi noted that the bill updates Australian law to align with the World Anti-Doping Code, which is reviewed every six years. Violi stated that the coalition supports the bill to ensure integrity in sport for young people and athletes alike.

Cook argued that the bill protects the integrity of sport by ensuring fair competition and independent governance. Cook detailed four key changes: strengthening athlete appeal rights, enhancing the independence of anti-doping decisions, improving privacy protections, and modernising legal definitions. Cook highlighted the importance of these reforms for the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. Cook noted significant government investments in local sporting infrastructure in her electorate to support grassroots participation and elite pathways.

Ambihaipahar supported the bill, drawing on his legal background to emphasise the importance of fair processes and independent decision-making. Ambihaipahar explained that the legislation separates the original decision-maker from the review body for therapeutic use exemptions and transfers sanctioning powers to Sport Integrity Australia to avoid conflicts of interest. Ambihaipahar noted that adhering to the 2027 code is necessary for Australia to host and compete in major international events. Ambihaipahar highlighted substantial government funding for sport integrity, high-performance programs, and athlete support.

Smith, a former professional basketball player, supported the bill based on his personal experience with anti-doping testing and the importance of fair competition. Smith argued that doping undermines the integrity of sport and the sacrifices made by clean athletes. Smith welcomed the strengthened appeal rights for therapeutic use exemptions and the increased independence of the anti-doping system. Smith commended the bill for ensuring that Australia maintains a clean sporting environment ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

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Clutterham supported the bill to implement the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code, which takes effect on 1 January 2027. Clutterham argued that the amendments to the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020 and the National Sports Tribunal Act 2019 ensure Australia meets its international obligations under the UNESCO convention. Clutterham stated that the changes enhance athlete rights by allowing independent review of therapeutic use exemption denials and strengthen the operational independence of anti-doping decisions. Clutterham emphasised that these measures protect the integrity of sport and support Australia's hosting of the 2027 Netball and Rugby World Cups and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

McCormack commended the bill for aligning Australian legislation with international standards required for hosting global sporting events. McCormack outlined four key updates: enhanced appeal rights for therapeutic use exemptions, transferred responsibility for sanctions to Sport Integrity Australia, balanced publication decisions with privacy safeguards, and updated athlete definitions. McCormack cited the case of Stawell Gift winner Olufemi Komolafe, who was banned for inadvertently taking a banned ADHD medication, to illustrate the strictness of the regime. McCormack also referenced the Essendon supplements saga to highlight the consequences of doping violations and affirmed Australia's commitment to clean sport ahead of the 2032 Olympics.