Since its launch in 2015, the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) national AusPlay survey has provided fresh data every six months to help shape investment, develop policy and support how sport is delivered across communities.

Improvements in technology, as well as shifts in how data can be reliably collected, have seen the ASC recently adjust the methodology used by AusPlay.

The previous process of undertaking 20,000 phone interviews annually has moved to a method using multiple online panels where 40,000 Australians can provide insights each year on a range of sport participation topics as well as answering new questions on volunteering, injuries and inclusion in sport.

The data released by the ASC in October 2023 was the last under the former methodology with the first AusPlay data using the new system set to be released in October 2024, covering the period of July 2023 to June 2024.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the unusual 12-month gap in reporting was necessary for such a major change.

“The previous AusPlay methodology served the sports sector well for many years, but this is an important change to ensure we can provide all levels of government and sporting organisations the detailed information they need to invest in and deliver sport to their communities,” Perkins said.

“The updates we’re making to enhance the AusPlay survey will mean it won’t be possible to compare the old data to the new due to the change in method, and some previous results may vary under the new system.

“We’re future proofing AusPlay now to ensure it continues to be a reliable source of information for years to come.”

More information on these changes will be provided ahead of the October data release and will be available via the Clearinghouse for Sport.