Arbib, who was also the Assistant Treasurer and Small Business Minister, surprised everyone by resigning as a Labor Senator, claiming he wanted to spend more time with his young family.

"It was a pleasure to work with Mark," said Coates. 

''He had a realistic grasp on the issues facing all Australian sports, and was committed to the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport)."

Arbib, 40, had taken on the role in September 2010 when relations between the AOC and Federal Government were strained following the publication of the Crawford Report, commissioned by his predecessor Kate Ellis and which recommended the way Australian elite sport was funded. 

"We just thought Mark Arbib was fantastic, and giving of his time and very hands-on," said AOC spokesman Mike Tancred.

"He understood that to get kids out playing sports, to get them off the couch, they do need elite athletes as role models."

Early last year, Arbib authorised a cash injection of $3.8 million (£2.4 million/€2.8 million) to the Green and Gold project - funding to lift Australia's Olympic and Paralympic medal chances over a spread of sports, including rowing, cycling and hockey.

Arbib will officially step down as Minister on Friday (March 2) and no replacement has been announced yet.

"This is just part of the business that we're in - Ministers come and go," Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) Jason Hellwig told AAP.

"He was a very passionate Minister for Sport and the APC enjoyed a very good relationship with him."

The Labor Party has been involved in a bitter leadership struggle in recent months and his decision to step down coincides with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd failing in an unsuccessful leadership challenge to Prime Minister Julia Gillard. 

Arbib, who has two young two daughters, described his resignation as a ''gesture of goodwill'' to the party to help it heal.

Arbib was one of the main supporters of Gillard in June 2010 when she deposed Rudd as leader and Prime Minister. 

''It requires more than words, it requires actions and everyone has a responsibility and all of us have a part to play," he said.

"And that includes me."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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