Proposed law would create offences targeting competition manipulation and betting-related corruption
The government has introduced legislation to criminalise match-fixing and strengthen the integrity of sport in Australia, with proposed offences carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Criminal Code Amendment (National Sport Integrity Offences) Bill 2026 would establish new offences targeting competition manipulation and betting-related corruption. The government said the measures are intended to address conduct that threatens the integrity of Australian sporting competitions and exposes athletes to coercion and exploitation.
The proposed offences would cover corrupting a sporting event and inducing or soliciting the corruption of a sporting event. They would also address the improper handling of information about conduct that corrupts a sporting event and inside information.
The government said the maximum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment reflect the gravity of the harm that can arise from match-fixing conduct.
The attorney-general’s office said match-fixing can undermine the credibility of sporting competitions and defraud the public. It can also provide a foothold for transnational crime syndicates to launder money, manipulate outcomes and target vulnerable participants in Australian domestic sporting codes.
The bill responds to recommendations from the Review of Australia’s Sports Integrity Arrangements. The government said the legislation is also a 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 the international treaty, which seeks to prevent, detect and sanction national or transnational match-fixing involving national and international sporting competitions.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the legislation would equip law enforcement agencies to address match-fixing conduct occurring in Australia and overseas.
“There’s no place in Australia for match-fixing or conduct that seeks to undermine the integrity of our sporting events,” Rowland said. “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.”
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said the legislation was intended to protect the principles underpinning Australian sport.
“Australians love sport and believe it should be built on merit, effort, and fairness. This legislation helps protect that belief,” Wells said. “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.”
