Ministers set match-fixing guidelines

The nation's sports ministers have collectively announced a new national framework to combat match-fixing.

The policy is underpinned by four principles; a nationally consistent approach to match fixing; the establishment of information sharing networks between governments, major sports, betting operators and law enforcement; consistent national codes of conduct; and active participation in international efforts to combat corruption in sport.

West Australian sport and recreation minister Terry Waldron said match fixing had emerged as a critical issue facing the sports industry.

"Australia's National Policy on Match-Fixing in Sport represents a commitment by the Federal and State and Territory governments to work together to address the issue of inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting and match-fixing activities with the aim of protecting the integrity of sport," Mr Waldron said.

"Importantly we have managed to protect Western Australia's particular interests in the development of the policy framework.

"For instance, WA has a unique method of directing revenue from sports wagering to grassroots sports and we are very keen to maintain that model."