Australia to set up new anti-doping body with bulked-up powers

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

SYDNEY (AFP) — The Australian government said it will establish a new anti-doping agency with increased power to catch sports drug cheats.

Sports Minister Rod Kemp said the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) would begin operations early next year, acting as an independent body to investigate and prosecute allegations of doping.

"The creation of ASADA as the organisational focal point for sports anti-doping activities will help maintain Australia's place at the forefront of the world-wide effort to beat drug cheats in sport," Kemp said Thursday.

He said Australia was proud of its reputation for achieving sporting success without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs and the new body would maintain the country's sporting integrity.

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