Join AUS Squad
Back To News
Paralympics Australia has set its course towards the top of the Brisbane 2032 medal tally with the release of horizon two of its Strategic Plan.
Titled Uplift, the new horizon follows Imagine released in March 2023 and represents a refocus of Paralympics Australia’s strategic pillars, priorities and initiatives.
With the organisation’s purpose, vision and ambitions unchanged and still guiding the way from horizon one, Uplift sharpens the focus on leveraging new levels of Government investment into Para-sport and aims to strengthen the foundations for Australia’s best-ever home Paralympic Games.
Paralympics Australia President Grant Mizens said the plan’s second horizon was about momentum and maximising opportunity.
“The world will be watching us in 2032. Uplift is our next blueprint to make sure we are ready, not just to lead on the medal tally, but to lead as a nation that embraces inclusion, equality and possibility through Para-sport,” Mizens said.
“Horizon one was about building belief. It called out long-term underinvestment in Para-sport and helped to lay the foundation for a system-wide transformation.
“With the support of the Australian Government, state and territory governments and our valued partners and donors, we achieved some historic milestones as a sporting system during horizon one including significant funding increases, the launch of the Para System Uplift, the establishment of Para Sport Units nationally, and an outstanding Paris 2024 campaign for the Australian Paralympic Team.
“Uplift is the next step. It’s about working together with all of our system partners to convert opportunities for Para-athletes that will have meaningful impact beyond 2032 and help secure the sustainability of the Paralympic Movement in Australia,” he said.
“The next few years are critical. The decisions we make between now and Los Angeles 2028 will determine not only how competitive we are in Brisbane, but also whether we can seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australians living with a disability,” he said.
The new horizon is built on four central pillars. Our Team focuses on strengthening the performance environment for Australian Paralympic athletes at Summer and Winter Games. Our Ecosystem is about driving sustainability and growth across the entire Para-sport system, including the classification framework, coaching pathways and talent identification. Our Story places emphasis on engaging Australians with the power of Para-sport, growing the fan base and positioning the Paralympic Movement as a driver of inclusion and social change. Our Future looks to secure long-term sustainability through financial independence, organisational strength and leveraging Brisbane 2032 to leave an enduring legacy of accessibility and inclusivity.
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said Uplift will be more targeted, with a reduced number of strategic priorities to foster a sharper focus.
“Imagine listed 18 priorities and 49 initiatives. Uplift narrows this to eight priorities and 17 initiatives because now is the time to execute with precision,” Murray said.
“Our ambitions remain bold. We’re aiming for remarkable Paralympic performance, a world-leading and equitable sport system, and a Team that is not only a source of national pride but also a force for building a more inclusive society.
“Uplift reflects not only the unprecedented system-wide investment but also the enduring commitment of PA’s partners and donors to transform opportunities for Para-athletes, Paralympians, alumni and our wider Movement.”
Murray said among the key performance indicators during horizon two will be the number of elite Para-athletes on the pathway to Australian representation.
“Success will mean increasing the number of categorised Para-athletes to 800 by 2028 from just over 350 this year and delivering strong results at Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
“The ultimate goal has not changed – to deliver the best Games ever in Brisbane in 2032, to create a world-leading and equitable sport system, and to inspire a more inclusive society. Uplift is about ensuring we are not just prepared, but primed to deliver on that vision.”
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Published: 12 September 2025
