Doping in Australian sports is rampant, according to a government report, dealing a blow to the country's image as a sporting powerhouse.
Australian Justice Minister Jason Clare. (clair)
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR JUSTICE, JASON CLARE SAYING:
"The findings are shocking and they'll disgust Australian sports fans. The work that the Australian crime commission has done has found the use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs is widespread amongst professional athletes."
The report by the Australian Crime Commission found the use of illicit substances was 'widespread' in Australian sport and often facilitated by organised crime syndicates.
Australian Sports Minister Kate Lundy said the government would encourage sports to establish "integrity units" and engage the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency and law enforcement agencies to root out the problems.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN SPORTS MINISTER KATE LUNDY, SAYING:
"Standing here today with some of the CEOs of Australia's major sports is a statement to those who seek to ruin sport. If you want to dope and cheat, we will catch you. If you want to fix a match, we will catch you. Governments, authorities, sports at all levels agree on the importance of integrity in sports."
The report was the result of a one-year investigation into the use of drugs as well as the involvement of organised crime in the trade.
Clare added there was a risk that players involved in the use of drugs might be co-opted into match-fixing.
