NEW ANTI-DOPING LAWS CEMENT TOUGH STANCE ON DRUGS IN SPORT: SPENCE
Published Thursday, 18 October, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Laws passed through State Parliament tonight will enable Queensland to continue to crack down on drugs in sport, and instil a concept of fair play, Sport Minister Judy Spence said today.
Ms Spence said changes under the Sports Drug Testing Amendment Bill 2006, ensure parity between State and Commonwealth anti-doping laws, while still protecting Queensland’s athletes and sending a strong message against drugs in sport.
“Queenslanders are passionate about sport and place trust in their athletes to represent their state well – not only in terms of achievement, but in their conduct,” Ms Spence said.
“This Bill will ensure Queensland practice is in line with international standards, and elite competition in this state is on a level playing field.
“It will provide for continued protection of our athletes’ health and safety, and Queensland’s reputation as a great sporting state.”
“This bill ensures consistency in anti-doping, which will allow Queensland to continue our tough stance on drugs in sport,” Ms Spence said.
“Since 1999, this government has provided $1.2 Million to support anti-doping services in this state. These amended laws will help to build on the work done to date to keep Queensland’s anti-doping commitment second-to-none.
“Recent national and international drug scandals involving our greatest sporting heroes highlight the need for a robust anti-doping regime.
“The new laws passed through parliament today support Queensland’s Drug Free Sport Program, which this Government co-funds with Queensland Sporting Organisations, to provide drug testing and educational services to sports in Queensland.
“By promoting an anti-doping ethos at a state level we can better eliminate drug cheats before they reach high profile national and international competitions.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said changes under the Sports Drug Testing Amendment Bill 2006, ensure parity between State and Commonwealth anti-doping laws, while still protecting Queensland’s athletes and sending a strong message against drugs in sport.
“Queenslanders are passionate about sport and place trust in their athletes to represent their state well – not only in terms of achievement, but in their conduct,” Ms Spence said.
“This Bill will ensure Queensland practice is in line with international standards, and elite competition in this state is on a level playing field.
“It will provide for continued protection of our athletes’ health and safety, and Queensland’s reputation as a great sporting state.”
“This bill ensures consistency in anti-doping, which will allow Queensland to continue our tough stance on drugs in sport,” Ms Spence said.
“Since 1999, this government has provided $1.2 Million to support anti-doping services in this state. These amended laws will help to build on the work done to date to keep Queensland’s anti-doping commitment second-to-none.
“Recent national and international drug scandals involving our greatest sporting heroes highlight the need for a robust anti-doping regime.
“The new laws passed through parliament today support Queensland’s Drug Free Sport Program, which this Government co-funds with Queensland Sporting Organisations, to provide drug testing and educational services to sports in Queensland.
“By promoting an anti-doping ethos at a state level we can better eliminate drug cheats before they reach high profile national and international competitions.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287