Match fixing cheats will face up to ten years in jail under tough new laws that will protect Queensland’s vibrant and growing sporting industry.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the new laws would bring Queensland into line with other states.

“Match fixing isn’t a game. Cheats who try to play with a sporting result will soon face stiff penalties,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Under the former Government, Queensland’s legislation did not keep up with the growing sport wagering market.

“Sport is a multi-billion dollar industry and unfortunately some people try to corrupt games for their own profit, including organised crime gangs, but that ends now.

“A recent Australian Crime Commission report identified the growing risk of organised crime infiltration in sport, targeting elite and sub-elite athletes and making them participate in match-fixing.

“Five new offences will be introduced to ensure Queensland isn’t a safe haven for match fixers.

The offences and their maximum sentences are:
•engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome (10 years imprisonment)
•facilitating conduct that corrupts a betting outcome (10 years imprisonment)
•concealing conduct that corrupts a betting outcome (10 years imprisonment)
•using corrupt conduct information about an event for betting purposes (10 years imprisonment)
•using inside information for betting purposes (2 years imprisonment).

Sports Minister Steve Dickson said the new laws would strengthen sport lovers’ trust in their games.

“From rugby to croquet, Queenslanders love their sport so it’s vital that we ensure its integrity is maintained,” Mr Dickson said.

“Queensland will now join New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, as part of a national approach to securing the integrity of sporting contests.”