The Australian newspaper recently included an article with comments from John Coates and medal predictions for Australia in regard to London. Comments within the article called for more funding for sports and noted that swimming tops the money list with $8.7million followed by cycling, rowing and athletics at $6.9 million. Taekwondo was noted among the ‘sporting paupers’ with $0 funding followed by weightlifting at $362,600, tennis at $477,112 and archery at $600,800. Taekwondo’s problems of recent years resulted in cessation of ASC funding in 2007 due to governance issues (which were quickly addressed by Taekwondo Australia) and management issues within the Beyond Beijing Athlete Program (BBAP).

Taekwondo Queensland, as an organization, receives significant funding from the Qld Government who contribute more funding to sport than any other State Government in the country. Other State Governments also tie some funding to recognition by the Australian Sports Commission while the Qld Government makes independent decisions regarding the best use of Qld public funds based on the capabilities of the organisations involved and their proven history. Taekwondo Queensland is in regular contact with the Qld department and Minister and funding provided to our organization is not in question and will continue to support the delivery of services to our sport as directed by Taekwondo Queensland’s strategic plan.