Australia are set to oppose a plan to introduce a revolutionary new starting block at this year's Beijing Olympics.

The official timing suppliers have designed a new block with an angled foot hold at the back, similar to the types used in athletics.

The makers believe the new starting platforms will improve times by up to one-tenth of a second.

However, Australian head coach Alan Thompson believes using them in Beijing will be unfair because most competitors will not have had enough time to experiment with them.

"Everyone thinks the blocks are a great idea, but we won't have any time to practise on them before the Olympics," Thompson told The Australian newspaper.

"If we're not ready to do it properly before the Olympics, let's not rush it. I think the blocks have to be more widely available first.

"We need to practise and race with them. While they are not readily available, it puts some people at a disadvantage."

The makers of the block have installed a prototype in the ninth lane at the Olympic pool in Beijing, while swimming's world governing body FINA is set to vote on the introduction of the new blocks during the world short-course championships in Manchester in April.

Thompson, who is the secretary of the FINA coaches committee, believes the blocks will be approved, but is pushing for a date after the Beijing Olympics.

Reuters