The Matildas are set to receive a major funding boost from the federal government, securing $1.9 million in funds ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The funding comes on top another $8.83 million over the next two years to support the Matildas in their 2023 World Cup campaign, and other Matildas programs. It means the Australian national team will receive upwards of $10 million over the next three years.
It’s part of a wider $257 million injection into elite sport ahead of the next Olympics and Paralympics from the federal government and forms a long-term funding model for elite sport in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport.
It marks the first time funds have been allocated for elite sports programs for a full Olympic Games cycle. In the past, sports have worked with 12-month funding plans.
“Our athletes inspired Australians everywhere with their efforts at the delayed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) this funding provides the perfect platform to perform in Paris,” Minister Colbeck said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Through this commitment by the Federal Government and via a collaborative process with the AIS, sports are enabled to build their plans in advance for a full summer Games cycle, with funding right through until the end of 2024.
“This will be the first time that sports have received funding certainty so far out from an Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we’re proud to have made that commitment to building sustainable success for our high performance athletes and their support teams.”
Women’s rugby 7s, rowing, canoeing, surfing and skateboarding are among the other sports set to get significant funding increases before the next Paralympics and Olympics. Meanwhile, an $82.2 million package will be dedicated to athletes of the future, and athlete wellbeing.
The Women’s rugby 7s program will receive a 39 per cent increase in funding.
Australian Sports Commission Chair Josephine Sukkar AM said it is an exciting time for Australian sport.
“Paris is now only two and half years away, and our commitment to longer term success, the green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032, is also front of mind,” Sukkar said.
“I would like to thank the Australian Government for sharing the vision of the AIS and recognising the value of allocating funding for a full Games cycle. It is a huge show of support for the Australian high performance system, the sports and our athletes.”