Press release from the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Sport
The Minister for Sport Peter Dutton has appointed Australian Crime Commission Queensland Manager Ben McDevitt as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).
Mr McDevitt will take up his position at ASADA on Monday.
Mr Dutton said Mr McDevitt would continue ASADA’s important work to stamp out performance-enhancing drugs in Australian sport and protect athlete health.
“Mr McDevitt has extensive experience in law enforcement and an understanding of intelligence gathering and criminal investigations which will be imperative as ASADA confronts the increasingly sophisticated and organised nature of doping,” Mr Dutton said.
Mr McDevitt has served in various national and international law enforcement roles for nearly thirty years.
He joined the Australian Crime Commission in 2011 and was appointed Queensland State Manager in 2012 while also serving as the inaugural Chair of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Forum.
Previously he served as CEO of CrimTrac for five years and is a former Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.
“He will ensure Australia continues to deliver an anti-doping programme that is adaptable and rigorous across all sports,” Mr Dutton said.
Mr McDevitt will replace Ms Aurora Andruska who completes her four-year term as ASADA CEO on Friday.
Ms Andruska is retiring after a 37 year career in the public sector.
“Ms Audruska has worked tirelessly to reinforce Australia’s commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs in sport at a very challenging time,” Mr Dutton said.
“She oversaw ASADA’s investigation into the AFL and NRL doping allegations and her resolve hasn’t wavered despite the complex and very public nature of the investigation.
“During her tenure, ASADA has implemented innovative new detection strategies that are better targeting those involved in doping and has helped Australia remain a world-leader in anti-doping.”
Given the complexity of the investigation over the past 15 months, Ms Andruska will assist the incoming CEO in the short term to ensure a smooth transition.
The report from former Federal Court judge Garry Downes has also been provided to ASADA to assist with a legal review of the investigation and will be a key reference point for the incoming ASADA CEO.
“With the Downes report completed and the appointment of Mr McDevitt as the new CEO, ASADA is prepared to take the necessary steps to bring this crucial matter to conclusion,” Mr Dutton said.