Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) held its annual Law Enforcement Conference on 5 March to engage and collaborate with law enforcement locally and internationally to help prevent and respond to integrity threats in sport.
This year's conference, for the first time, brought together law enforcement partners and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) from across the Pacific to explore emerging threats in the region.
Held during the five-day World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network Workshop, the conference had more than 10 countries represented.
SIA Head of Anti-doping, Chris Butler said bringing together our key partners helps build sports integrity capability, foster relationships and networks to help combat threats in Australia and internationally .
"It was an honour having our Pacific partners in attendance this year who shared insights into their capabilities, priorities and challenges," said Dr Benson.
"Australia and the Pacific have a deep and longstanding relationship with a shared passion for sport.
"Working collaboratively, we aim to build a leading sport integrity program in the Pacific that will prepare the region for successful Pacific Games, Brisbane 2032 Games and their legacies beyond."
During the conference, attendees heard from experts from WADA, health professionals and Australian Border Force on threats in the anti-doping space, including the use of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs ( PIEDs ).
Chris Butler said PIEDs continue to be a growing concern for law enforcement and anti-doping organisations.
"Often bought online and sold illegally, PIEDs do not only pose a threat to safe and clean sport but foster illegal activity amongst criminal networks," Mr Butler said.
"Through SIA's Law Enforcement Partnership Program (LEP), we aim to build collaboration with law enforcement , which is crucial to uncovering systemic and serious facilitation and trafficking of doping substances.
"Working together with law enforcement to stop the importation and use of illicit drugs is an important ongoing collaboration to help keep sport and athletes clean and safe.
"The LEP program brings focus, coordination and commitment to the diverse range of initiatives identified at the domestic and international level, in partnership with law enforcement."
Sport Integrity Australia launched the LEP Program last year to ensure a proactive agency posture in preventing integrity threats to sports where a criminal nexus exists.
The program will maximise opportunities to share information and collaborate on activities to prevent and respond to integrity threats.
