Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Highly-regarded sports physician Dr Grace Bryant has been appointed to the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC) for a term of two years, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon George Brandis SC, announced today.

"Dr Bryant is an experienced medical practitioner and I am delighted that she has agreed to join the Committee," Senator Brandis said.

ASDMAC is an advisory body established under the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006 with responsibility for:

• the consideration, and approval where appropriate, of Therapeutic Use Exemption applications by athletes for the legitimate therapeutic use of a prohibited substance; and
• the provision of specialist medical advice to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, Australian Sports Commission, national sporting organisations, testing laboratories and anti-doping tribunals.

Dr Bryant currently works in private practice, although she has previously lectured at the University of Sydney. She is the medical officer for the NSW Institute of Sport and the Australian Women's Water Polo team and is consultant medical officer with the Sydney Swifts National Netball League team.

A member of the medical staff for the Commonwealth Games (1998, 2002 and 2006) and the Australian Olympic team (1996, 2000 and 2004), Dr Bryant has also worked with the Australian Women's hockey team (1996–2004).

"Dr Bryant will enhance the level of expertise available to ASDMAC and provide a valuable contribution to ASDMAC deliberations," Senator Brandis said.

ASDMAC is administered by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. Its committee members require a highly specialised set of skills and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

21 August 2007

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