By Duncan Mackay

Aurora Andruska is stepping down as head of ASADA when her contract ends in May ©ASADA February 17 - Aurora Andruska, chief executive of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), announced today that she will step down when her current contract ends in May.


She will leave the organisation shortly after a report into doping allegations in the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) is due to be published. 

Andruska has overseen the investigation launched on what was dubbed by her predecessor as ASADA boss, Richard Ings, as the "darkest day in Australian sport" in February 2013.

Earlier this month, the Federal Government appointed former judge Garry Downes to review the investigations centring on AFL club Essendon and NRL club Cronulla and report to Andruska.

Australian Sports Minister Peter Dutton paid tribute to Andruska after her announcement.

"Ms Andruska has had a long and distinguished career in the public service," he said.

"I would like to thank her for her dedication and service over 37 years and wish her well for future endeavours."

Aurora had joined ASADA in May 2010, bringing with her more than 30 years' experience in public sector leadership roles.

Prior to joining ASADA, Aurora was the deputy chief executive of Centrelink, the Australian Government agency that provides social services to more than seven million customers and has a national staff of up to 28,000 people.

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