14 14 AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS It is such an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to lead the ASC. As CEO, I am driven by the breadth of work, the complexity, the quality of the people, the massive opportunity for change and an overwhelming sense that what I am doing is meaningful and will make a difference. As the former CEO of an NSO I was a beneficiary of the work of the ASC. I knew that I was joining a well-governed and managed organisation. I had watched my predecessor Simon Hollingsworth and his leadership team develop strong and successful partnerships with sport; deliver on a corporate plan that has improved the governance of sport, increased the capability of sport in the digital, financial and commercial areas; and focus on improving high performance and participation outcomes. On behalf of sport I offer my congratulations on these results and wish Simon the best of luck for the next stage of his career. The past six months has been an exciting time as I met with most NSO CEOs and representatives from all key agencies including our close colleagues at the SIS/SAS, APC, CGA and AOC. The consultations with stakeholders about the future of sport as part of our strategy development and more recently around the Government’s NSP has given us a clear picture of what the ASC must focus on to move Australian sport forward. The annual sector survey strengthened our views on the purpose and role of the ASC. The sector wants the ASC to strengthen our leadership, focus on high performance and participation outcomes and importantly play a major role in promoting the value of sport and its role in building a healthier Australia. Minister Hunt and our colleagues in the Department of Health have been welcoming and very supportive of our desire to transform the way we do business. There is a real sense of shared purpose and commitment to improving the system, to set clear long term targets and to deliver better results. The Government, through the ASC, has made significant levels of investment into sport to increase their capability to deliver the Australian sport system. Kate Palmer CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION