The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Football resurgence paves way to World Cup

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp today congratulated the remarkable work of Football Federation Australia in revitalising the world game, culminating in last night’s outstanding qualification for the World Cup finals in Germany.

“The fighting spirit and skills of our players added a significant new page in Australian sporting history,” Senator Kemp said.

“Congratulations should go to Frank Lowy, John O’Neill, the FFA board and support staff who have worked tirelessly to take the game to new heights, building on the direction set by the independent Soccer Review by David Crawford and his committee.

Senator Kemp paid particular tribute to the late Johnny Warren whose inspiration and dedication had been a driving force behind the reform process put in place by the Australian Government, through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) back in 2002/3.

“It is important to recognise the hard work and dedication of Mr Crawford and his panel members and the leadership and support provided by the ASC which provided the platform for the much-needed restructuring of the game in Australia.

“Football in Australia was at a low ebb when the ASC was invited by Soccer Australia to assist it to become a more professionally run, democratic and financially viable sport,” the Minister said.

“Australians now have a vibrant national domestic competition in the Hyundai A League and a national team headed for the World Cup in Germany next year after an absence of 32 years,” Senator Kemp said.

“The decisive action to reform Football is now beginning to return some big dividends for sports fans and the Australian public in general.”

CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, Mark Peters believes the win by the Socceroos and revitalisation of football in this country shows what the Australian sports system is capable of.

“The willingness showed by the Football Federation of Australia to work hand-in-hand with the ASC and the code’s leadership and strength is a model for other sports of what can be achieved by a adopting a professional approach to management and structure,” he said.

Senator Kemp also congratulated Uruguay for providing the fight and commitment to keep all Australians on the edge of their seat until the final penalty goal.

17 November 2005
Media contacts: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040 276
Peter Logue (Australian Sports Commission) 02 6214 1204 or 0402 067 614