Statement on Women in Sport

Statement on Women in Sport

I rise today as proud chair of the parliamentary friendship groups for women in sport and for netball. Two world cups, two champion teams, the Diamonds and the Matildas doing us proud on the world stage, as the member for Dunkley so aptly put it. They are doing us proud in South Africa at the Netball World Cup and right here in Australia in the FIFA Women's World Cup—the beautiful game.

I've always been a netball tragic; I'm fast becoming a devotee of the beautiful game. Last night the Matildas were exceptional. Such poise, such grace, such determination, such resilience. Their defence was extraordinary, to hold the Olympic champions to a nil game and get four goals themselves. It was an extraordinary achievement. I know everyone in this place was excited by it. I haven't spoken to anyone yet who hasn't watched it. I'd like to remind everyone that, as we get to the business end of both world cups, the Diamonds play this week and the final will be next Sunday evening in the middle of the night. I know I'll be watching. I encourage everybody else to bring home both of our teams in those two world cups.