Inside the Australian Sports Commission: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🤸♂️
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the ASC—from their core responsibilities and finances to the qualifications and skills they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to forge a rewarding government career in Australian sport.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
Location: Primarily headquartered in Bruce (Canberra), with offices in Melbourne and Sydney, plus facilities in other states and internationally.
CEO: Kieren Perkins OAM
Total Revenue: Approximately $380 million (based on current annual reporting)
Total Number of Employees: 502
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Sports Management or Exercise Science — valuable for planning and implementing athlete support programs.
Finance or Accounting — underpins budgeting, grants management, and financial governance.
Business Administration or Project Management — helps drive key strategic initiatives and complex projects.
Communications, Media, or Public Relations — critical for effectively promoting ASC programs and campaigns.
IT or Data Analytics — essential for leveraging data-driven insights and improving systems performance.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) — clarifies how to manage sport initiatives and strategic projects.
Sports Coaching Accreditations — demonstrates expertise in developing athletes and fostering coaching principles.
Human Resources Certifications — supports recruitment, staff development, and workforce planning.
First Aid and Safety Certifications — ensures participant and staff well-being, crucial for on-site and event-based roles.
Leadership and Management Certifications — fosters effective team coordination and decision-making.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Carpentry / Building Services — key to maintaining and upgrading AIS facilities.
Electrical or Mechanical Trades — supports operational continuity and equipment maintenance.
Nutritionists / Dietitians — vital for guiding athlete meal planning and performance.
Physiotherapy / Sports Therapy — helps athletes achieve peak health and swift recovery.
Event Management / Logistics Experts — essential for coordinating major sporting events and training camps.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Collaboration and Teamwork — crucial for engaging with diverse sports, departments, and stakeholders.
Strategic Thinking — important for shaping the ASC’s national sports frameworks and long-term plans.
Budget & Financial Management — integral to overseeing grants, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement — necessary for building positive relationships with government bodies, clubs, and communities.
Adaptability — vital in responding quickly to shifting policies, technologies, and athletic priorities.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Project Coordination in Sports or Government — demonstrates familiarity with structured processes and regulations.
Club or Association Volunteering — shows grassroots engagement and commitment to community sport.
Coaching or Athlete Experience — offers first-hand understanding of athlete needs, from junior development to elite performance.
Policy or Program Implementation — reflects know-how in rolling out government frameworks and large-scale initiatives.
Facilities Management — ensures high-quality, safe, and efficient operational environments.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
Name of CEO: Kieren Perkins OAM
Location: Australia-wide, with headquarters in Canberra and offices across select states
Year Founded: 1985
Main mission and purpose of the department:
The ASC’s core role is to increase participation in organised sport across Australia and drive international sporting success. One real-world example is the AIS High Performance programs, which provide expert coaching and state-of-the-art facilities to help athletes excel.Main duties of the department:
Providing targeted financial support to national sporting organisations and athletes
Overseeing the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and delivering elite high-performance programs
Driving innovation and research—from sports engineering to data analytics—to maintain Australia’s competitive edge
Encouraging grassroots sport participation through school-based and community initiatives
Partnering with government and industry to set strategic directions for Australian sport
By investing in coaching pathways, facilities, and community programs, the ASC strengthens Australia’s reputation as a global sporting leader.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
National Participation Projects: Expanding grassroots engagement, ensuring families and communities can readily access sport.
High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy (HP2032+): A blueprint to prepare athletes for pinnacle events like the Olympics and Paralympics, prioritising both wellbeing and performance.
Play Well Grants: Funding local councils, peak bodies, and national organisations to create new programs aimed at boosting sport uptake.
Technology and Innovation: Pioneering sports engineering, big-data analytics, and advanced recovery methodologies to improve athlete performance.
Did you know?
The AIS campus in Canberra spans 65 hectares and includes world-class training, research, and residential facilities—making it one of the largest multisport complexes in the Southern Hemisphere.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 502
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Not publicly itemised
Salary Bands: Align broadly with Australian Public Service (APS) and sports-specific roles
Average Salary in the Department: Not explicitly stated; roles align with standard APS and professional sports remuneration frameworks
Total Revenue: Approximately $380 million
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $757,000 (by dividing $380 million by 502 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Sport Coaching & Development
Business Administration
Fitness & Personal Training
(These qualifications can open doors to support roles in coaching, administration, and event logistics.)
Bachelor / Master Level:
Sports Management, Exercise Science, Physiotherapy, Nutrition
Commerce, Accounting, and Finance
IT, Data Science, and Analytics
(Highly suited for managing complex projects, providing data insights, and delivering comprehensive sports programs.)
PhDs:
Specialized Research in Sports Science or Sports Medicine
Advanced Data Analytics & AI in Sports
High-Performance & Human Movement Sciences
(Indispensable for driving cutting-edge research and innovation to keep Australia at the top of international competition.)
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Trades such as carpentry, electrical, mechanical for facility upgrades and maintenance
Sports therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians to keep athletes healthy and performing at their peak
IT professionals for cybersecurity, digital transformation, and data management
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Government project or policy roles — fosters familiarity with structured regulations and frameworks
Grassroots volunteering or community club involvement — evidences a passion for local sport and a community spirit
Multidisciplinary team projects — highlights your ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills: Communication, team leadership, time management, stakeholder engagement
Technical skills: Project management, data analytics, finance oversight, advanced IT or engineering knowledge
General skills: Problem-solving, resilience, customer service, and capacity to innovate under deadlines
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Team sports or outdoor pursuits — beneficial for understanding sporting culture and participant needs
Tech experimentation or innovation — aligns with the ASC’s emphasis on research and data-driven approaches
Volunteering at events — demonstrates a willingness to support community and organisational goals
Want more information on this department?
Contact the Australian Sports Commission
Address: Leverrier Street, Bruce ACT 2617
Telephone: +61 2 6214 1111
Email: info@ausport.gov.au
Website: ausport.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.