Fed: $17 million per gold medal is value: Nelson

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2008
Fed: $17 million per gold medal is value: Nelson

CANBERRA, Aug 24 AAP - Forking out close to $17 million in taxpayers money for every
gold medal won by an Australian at the Beijing Olympics is value for money, federal Opposition
Leader Brendan Nelson says.

Fairfax reports the cost of each gold medal won by an Australian in Beijing has cost
taxpayers $16.7 million.

This cost does not take into account state government funding and the cost of high-tech
sporting infrastructure, the report says.

Dr Nelson said the nation was very proud of the athletes' performances.

"It is value for money," Dr Nelson told Network Nine.

"Every single Australian is immensely proud of the achievements of our athletes...for
all of those who have competed it has just been inspiring."

Dr Nelson said the federal government should look at extending sports funding.

"There's a very strong argument for looking at how we can further invest, not only
in elite level sport but also sport generally in our country."

"I would very happy to have some discussions with Mr Rudd and key members of the sporting
community about what more we can do as a nation to support our athletes in an increasingly
competitive world."

This could include a lottery style funding system, Dr Nelson said.

Australia is in sixth place on the medal table with 14 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.

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KEYWORD: OLY08 NELSON

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