APC President Glenn Tasker claimed Hellwig was the outstanding candidate for the role. 

"Jason knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the Paralympic Games," Tasker said.

"The London 2012 campaign he oversaw was outstanding in so many ways, but the APC Board has given him the task to lift the standard even higher for 2016.

"Jason's philosophy has always been to support every Australian team member to perform at their peak when it matters most, and with Rio 2016 likely to be a very challenging Games for a lot of reasons, he will not waiver throughout the campaign when it comes to ensuring that this philosophy is upheld.

Australia will be targeting an improved performance in Rio to what they achieved at London 2012 ©Getty Images



Australia won 85 medals at London 2012, including 32 spread across athletics, cycling, equestrian, sailing, swimming and wheelchair rugby.

This put them in fifth place on the medals table for the third Games in a row, following their top-of-the-table performance in Sydney.

Hellwig claims he has two clear goals for Rio 2016, repeating a top five finish and achieving a new level of recognition for Paralympic sport across the nation.

"Historically Australia is a successful Paralympic nation and it goes without saying that in terms of medals, we are aiming to not only continue this success, but build upon it in Rio," he said.

"But perhaps most importantly, the 2016 Australian Paralympic team has the opportunity to help take Paralympic sport to greater heights, not just at the elite level but at a participation level as well.

"Millions of Australians will watch the 2016 Paralympic Games and we want this team to inspire more people than ever before through their performances on the field and their conduct off the field.

"We also want to inspire more people with a disability to get involved in sport because of the benefits it can bring to people's lives."

He revealed that Australia will aim to take a team of more than 170 athletes from 15 sports, including the new disciplines of triathlon and canoeing, to Rio 2016, due to held between September 7 and September 18, 2016.

"We expect to take medal prospects to Rio for every sport," he said

"As was the case in London, we know that only a few medals can be the difference between a top five finish and finishing outside the top ten, and our rivals have made no secret of their desire to displace us.

"We also know it is getting harder and harder to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, and I want to make sure Australia is not left behind but rather is the driving nation that continues to lift the standards at future Paralympic Games."

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