HOCKEY AUSTRALIA TO REMAIN IN PERTH

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Daryl Williams, today welcomed the decision by Hockey Australia to retain its high performance program in Perth until December 2008.

The decision came after a review of the program, including its location, to help ensure Australia maintained its international success in hockey.

"As a Western Australian and a hockey player, I'm particularly pleased with Hockey Australia's decision," Mr Williams said.

"Hockey is the only sport in which an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship program is based in Western Australia, so I'm pleased to see it stay.

"WA has successfully nurtured our elite hockey players and ensured they can compete with the best the world can offer for the last 20 years."

Sports Minister Senator Rod Kemp said he looked forward to a process of continuous improvement in Australia's elite hockey programs.

"Our men's and women's teams are on target for strong performances at the Athens Olympics," Senator Kemp said.

"Our challenge is to ensure our players continue to have the best support to reach their potential."

Media contacts:

Carina Tan-Van Baren (Mr Williams) (02) 6277 7480/ 0439 425 373
Richard Wise (Senator Kemp) (02) 6277 7350/ 0438 204 554