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The Australian Government's use of sport in its 'soft power' approach in international relations has seen the Federal Government release the Australia's Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2032+.

Providing a new approach for how Australian sports can be used to strengthen the nation's influence, the strategy aims to provide a plan for the Australian Government and Australia's sporting organisations in an increasingly complex and consequential international environment.

The strategy also recognises sports as an important source of national power in Australia's foreign policy, giving sporting organisations access to advice and expertise they need for success on the international stage.

Developed with input from Australia's sporting industry, Australia's Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2032+ establishes the framework for close collaboration between the Australian Government and the sport sector, emphasising that sports diplomacy is a team effort that works best when working together.

The strategy sets out a refreshed vision and new goals for Australia's sports diplomacy to ensure we capitalise on the increased international interest in Australian sporting excellence during the decade of major sporting events hosted on Australian soil leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new strategy:

• Focuses Australia's efforts in the Indo-Pacific region
• Builds Australian sport as a source of national power
• Projects Australia's modern identity through sport
• Promotes Australian values, like gender equity and disability inclusion
• Strengthens integrity frameworks for international sports

It will also position us to deepen people-to-people ties, community links, and understanding between Australians and our closest neighbours.

The new strategy ensures Australia's sports diplomacy approach aligns with Sport Horizon, the new National Sport Strategy for 2024-2034.

Commenting on the new strategy, Federal Minister for the Pacific and International Development, Pat Conroy advised "Australia is proud to be part of the Pacific family and sport is a powerful way to strengthen ties between the people throughout the region. The more we understand and relate to each other, the more safe, stable and prosperous our region will be.

"This strategy is critical to advancing Australia's national interest in contributing to a safe, stable and prosperous region."

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells added “sport is one our greatest diplomatic tools as it brings cultures, communities and nations together and now we have the forward plan to ensure we can make the most our love of sport.

"Sport is a social cohesion amplifier and the lead up to Brisbane 2032 creates unprecedented opportunities to engage with the world through sport."

Image: Port Moresby’s 25,000-capacity Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, the home venue for the Papua New Guinea team that will enter the NRL in 2028 - backed by $600 million from the Australian Government.

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