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| Letter of
Transmittal
Australia's Anti-Doping Framework |
Chairperson's Summary
A Year of Growth and ChangeThroughout the past year the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) continued to deliver a world-class anti-doping program. An independent report from the Council of Europe’s Monitoring Group and complimentary letters from emerging anti-doping nations (Korea and Taiwan) clearly illustrated the Agency’s leadership in the global anti-doping field. Positive feedback from major domestic clients also pointed to their satisfaction with ASDA’s high standards of service. The National Anti-Doping ProgramThe introduction of blood testing nation-wide using the best available method (the Sydney Protocol), the increase in No Advance Notice out-of-competition testing, the development of systems to improve compliance by National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and improved field staff support indicate that the Agency continued to deliver an effective domestic anti-doping program. ASDA is justifiably proud that its anti-doping program complements Australia’s world-class sport development system. The Agency improved its efficiency through structural changes and more effective management practices. ASDA also continued to enhance its corporate governance practices consistent with the Australian National Audit Office’s (ANAO) best practice guidelines. ASDA conducted just under 6 900 tests as part of its domestic program while also managing and coordinating an additional 4 000 tests on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This was an unprecedented number of tests – all of which were conducted in accordance with ASDA’s legislation. ASDA conducted over 3 000 fee-for-service tests on behalf of professional sporting bodies such as the National Rugby League, the Australian Rugby Union and the National Soccer League. The Agency commends the efforts of these organisations to invest in strong anti-doping systems and protect the value of their sports. The management and coordination of ASDA’s blood testing program was not without challenges. Funding for the program was provided in February 2002 with $700 000 per annum appropriated to the Agency. While blood sample collection (using the Sydney Protocol) was resource intensive it allowed for more effective targeting of tests when compared to other erythropoietin (EPO) detection methods. The Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory (ASDTL) extended the range of endurance-enhancing substances screened for to include Aranesp and Dynepo. Over the past two years, the Agency’s budget has grown nearly 50 percent – over 75 percent of this growth coming from the sale of services. However ASDA’s staffing level has increased only marginally. ASDA ended the year within 3.5 percent of a balanced budget – the worse than expected outcome was primarily due to under provisioning for staff leave and superannuation entitlements. The Agency improved costing information for pricing and cost containment, thus positioning for profitability improvements in the year ahead. Relationships between ASDA, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the Department of Communication, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) were constructive and collaborative, ensuring delivery of the Government’s sport objectives. In particular ASDA worked hard to develop a productive relationship with the ASC and I am pleased to say these efforts were reciprocated. International DevelopmentsThe post-Sydney Games environment is full of challenges and opportunities in the anti-doping field. In this environment there is an unprecedented opportunity for lasting change through the development of the World Anti-Doping Code, funding for analytical research, increased out-of-competition testing and more countries developing effective anti-doping programs. ASDA was active in WADA’s key decision making forums by providing human resources and knowledge for a range of strategic projects including the:
ASDA continued to manage the WADA out-of-competition testing program and played a central role in other aspects of the WADA drug testing program contract (e.g. audits of other subcontractors). ASDA also continued supporting the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and helped the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency establish its quality control systems. These activities, while placing heavy demands on ASDA’s capacity, enabled the Agency to help enhance the international response to doping in sport. The Year AheadThe key challenges for the year ahead include:
I am confident ASDA will continue to play a key role internationally, maintain its world-class anti-doping programs and protect the rights of all athletes to compete on a level playing field free from banned doping practices.
Dr. Brian Sando OAM |
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