Match-fixing and doping would be targeted by a new anti-corruption watchdog proposed as part of a major overhaul of Australia's sports integrity system.
A report into integrity was released on Wednesday after a review led by James Wood QC, who headed a royal commission into corruption in the NSW police.
"This report presents Australia with the opportunity to safeguard our sport for decades to come," Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie told the National Press Club in Canberra.
Major sporting bodies like the AFL, NRL and Cricket Australia would be able to opt in or out of a new national integrity commission, provided they can prove internal integrity schemes meet the code.
The commission would have the power to initiate criminal proceedings targeting match-fixing and betting frauds in those sports.
Athletes who pass insider information to bookmakers could face jail time under new offences, while match-fixing would be made a federal crime.
A national sports tribunal would be established and suspected drug cheats would be stripped of protection from self-incrimination.
Witnesses would be compelled to give evidence, with the tribunal given royal commission-like powers.
The report has been with the government for three months.
But Senator McKenzie said that's not enough time to consider which of the 52 recommendations the government will support.
"It is a complex area and I'm taking advice from right across government," she told reporters.
The review found links between organised crime and sports wagering are evolving quickly in Australia and risks will grow as the betting markets continue to develop.
It singled out offshore-betting companies as a particular concern.
The Australian Olympic Commission has backed the report, with president John Coates calling it the most comprehensive national response of its kind.
He also urged the government to act on a recommendation for Australia to sign up to the Macolin Convention, a European agreement on match-fixing.
"The threats to the integrity of sport are transnational and Australia can no longer sit on the sidelines. We must be part of the global response," Mr Coates said.
The government has established a task force to respond to the report.
"We're faced with external threats of an unprecedented level," Senator McKenzie said.
"Of particular concern is Australia's ability to confront the ever-growing threat of illegal wagering on sport and its connections with match-fixing and organised crime."
The minister also announced the government would fund a business case to revitalise the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, admitting it was no longer a cutting-edge facility.
