Penny Wong signals coupling of sport and diplomacy to boost ‘national power’

The Foreign Minister says the government is looking to use Australia’s sporting ability to strengthen our influence internationally.

The federal government has pulled together a sports diplomacy roundtable in a bid to increase Austalia’s international relations.

“Sport is one of Australia’s strengths,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.

“The Albanese government is using all elements of national power to increase Australia’s influence in an ever more competitive world.”

The announcement comes weeks before the Paris Olympics begin on July 26, and not long after four NRL sides played opening round matches in Las Vegas.

The revamped sport-as-diplomacy scheme also comes as Port Adelaide chairman David Koch has said in recent weeks the team may play a regular season fixture in China, which they did in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The government has also committed $600m over 10 years to fund Papua New Guinea’s bid for an NRL team.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape are both NRL fans. Picture: PMO

Sport Minister Anika Wells, centre, says successful sporting diplomacy has innovation, tourism and services benefits. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Damaging trade sanctions between Australia and China have mostly been rectified in recent months, as major Australian exports find a place on Chinese shelves again, beef being the latest industry to get a reprieve from the dispute.

Announced by the Foreign Minister on Saturday, the federal government is giving “national sporting organisations and peak bodies a seat at the table, reflecting their central role in advancing Australia’s interests through sport”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will co-ordinate a new sports diplomacy consultative group.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley is on board with the diplomacy scheme. Picture: Mark Evans / Getty Images

So is Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

The group will chew over strategic and economic opportunities and risks in international sport, including upcoming events in Australia and overseas, and ways governments and the sport sector can work together to advance “shared priorities”.

The consultative group replaces an advisory council following a review. The new group will host a broad-group annual roundtable event as well.

The diplomatic reshuffling aims to capitalise on the run up to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government is using all elements of national power to increase Australia’s influence. Picture: NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Sport Minister Anika Wells said competition on the field had multi-pronged benefits.

“As we head towards Brisbane 2032, we will be hosting some of the world’s largest sporting events, providing us with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Australian excellence and expertise in innovation, tourism, services and products,” she said.

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said sport transcended borders.

“By harnessing the unifying power of sport, we can build bridges and foster goodwill among diverse communities worldwide,” he said.