Softball Australia (SA) is pleased to recognise the recent appointment of Kieren Perkins OAM to the position of CEO at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). 

While he may be best known for being one of Australia’s greatest swimmers, Mr Perkins brings considerable corporate and sports administration experience to the role, having previously served as the President of Swimming Australia, and as an Australian Sports Commissioner from 2001-2007. Mr Perkins also served as a National Australia Bank executive from 2009 until May this year, when he became CEO of Australia Unity Bank. 

Softball Australia has enjoyed a long and prosperous history with the ASC, and Interim SA CEO Bron Parry said Mr Perkins’ appointment bodes well for the sport, given his background and experience. 

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Kieren on his appointment and welcome him to the ASC on behalf of the softball community. There are so many reasons why we are excited about this appointment,” Ms Parry said. 

“Being a dual Olympic gold medallist, Kieren clearly appreciates the elite level of sport, and having a CEO with this background means we can continue working closely with the ASC as we prepare for future Olympic Games. 

“Qualifying for Tokyo 2020 would not have been possible without the support from the Commission, and I honestly believe under Kieren’s guidance, our athletes can compete for gold in the future. 

“But just as importantly, the ASC plays a role in supporting grassroots sport in Australia, and Kieren’s prior experience on the ASC Board and at Swimming Australia means we can also continue to focus on participation and bringing softball to the people.” 

The announcement was made last Friday night in a statement issued by Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck, who highlighted the importance of Kieren’s sports and corporate background as the nation prepares for Brisbane 2032. 

“Sport plays an incredibly important role in Australia, and we are delighted to have Mr Perkins lead the ASC at this pivotal time,” Minster Colbeck said. 

“As one of our greatest ever Olympians, Mr Perkins brings first-hand experience of high-performance sport as well as an intrinsic understanding of the important role grassroots sport plays in the health and wellbeing of all Australians.” 

Mr Perkins was equally excited to be stepping into the role ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“It’s the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia,” Mr Perkins said. 

“My corporate experience gives me the business and relationship skills required to bring together the important stakeholders pivotal in ensuring sport flourishes. 

"The decade leading to 2032 is a generational opportunity to build a lasting legacy for all sport, in an environment that allows everyone involved to safely live all of the positive life experiences sport can bring.” 

The announcement came on the same day the Commission welcomed a new Board member, with outgoing Paralympics Australia CEO Lynne Anderson appointed to the ASC Board for three years. 

Ms Anderson brings an impressive track record to the ASC Board, with Minister Colbeck emphasising the huge contributions she has made as the CEO of Paralympics Australia over the last six years. 

“I have no doubt she will bring the same passion and focus to drive outcomes for athletes and inclusive sport as we look ahead to a decade of green and gold excellence,” Minister Colbeck said. 

Ms Anderson is currently a member of the Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council, and has extensive experience serving as Chairperson of the Canterbury Bulldogs, and in directorships for the INVICTUS Games, Gold Coast Titans, and the 2002 Melbourne World Masters Games. 

Ms Anderson indicated she is eagerly anticipating promoting both community and high-performance sport through the ASC. 

“I am energised by Australia’s successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, which were a triumph despite the dauntingly difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Anderson said. 

“I look forward to supporting our athletes and teams as they prepare for a decade of major international sporting events hosted in Australia, as part of the roadmap to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic games.” 

Image: The ASC Chair Josephine Sukkar AM welcomes Kieren Perkins OAM as its new Chief Executive Officer. Courtesy Australian Institute of Sport