New law introduced to criminalise match-fixing and strengthen the integrity of Australian sport
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Attorney-General
The Hon Anika Wells MP
Minister for Communications
Minister for Sport
Joint media release
The Albanese Government has today introduced legislation to criminalise match-fixing and strengthen the integrity of sport in Australia.
Sport is woven into the fabric of Australian life. It builds community, teaches resilience, and unites Australians across generations and cultures.
However, the growing threat of match-fixing exposes athletes to coercion and exploitation, threatening the integrity of Australian sport. It undermines the credibility of sporting competitions and defrauds the public.
Match-fixing can also provide a foothold for transnational crime syndicates to launder money, manipulate outcomes, and target vulnerable participants in our domestic sporting codes.
The new offences under the Criminal Code Amendment (National Sport Integrity Offences) Bill 2026 will target a range of competition manipulation and betting-related corruption. This includes the corruption of a sporting event, inducing or soliciting the corruption of a sporting event, and the improper handling of information about conduct that corrupts a sporting event and inside information.
The offences carry penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of harm that can arise from match-fixing conduct.
The Bill responds to recommendations from the Review of Australia’s Sports Integrity Arrangements, and is a crucial step towards Australia's ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, known as the Macolin convention.
Australia was the first non-European nation to sign this international treaty to prevent, detect and sanction national or transnational match-fixing of national and international sporting competitions.
The introduction of the offences will also further cement Australia’s position as a leader in the global fight against match-fixing in sport.
This Bill forms part of the Government’s broader integrity agenda to maintain confidence in the cultural institutions Australians value.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“There’s no place in Australia for match-fixing or conduct that seeks to undermine the integrity of our sporting events. That’s why the Albanese Government is introducing the Commonwealth’s strongest ever laws to ensure our sport sector is safe, fair and free from corruption.
“These offences will ensure law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to keep sport free from match‑fixing conduct that occurs both in Australia and overseas.
“We owe it to our athletes, fans, and our future generations to ensure that the sports they play and watch are fair and free from manipulation.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Sport, Hon Anika Wells MP:
“Australia's sporting culture is deeply embedded in our national identity. Australians love sport and believe it should be built on merit, effort, and fairness. This legislation helps protect that belief.
“Match fixing is not simply a matter of cheating. It is a deliberate corruption that threatens the fairness, safety and global reputation of Australian sport.
“Athletes will always be at the heart of what makes sport special and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in sport in Australia, from playground to podium.
“As Minister for Sport, my message is clear: those who seek to undermine the integrity of sport through corruption and manipulation will face the full force of the law.”