John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am rising today to honour an Australian sporting legend, and member of the Bennelong family, who sadly passed away over the weekend. Betty Cuthbert AM, MBE was a true champion. She is still Australia's second highest medal winner, only behind Ian Thorpe, and, to this day, is the only person to win Olympic gold in the 100-, 200- and 400-metre sprints. These are incredible achievements.

Many parts of the country claim Betty as their own, but Betty told me that her love of running was first ignited in Bennelong, running the long distances between home, shops and the Ermington Public School. Running home was better than running there! She is one of our great local heroes, the Ermington flash. I had the honour to call her a friend and have known her for well over 20 years. In our last official engagement together, I was delighted to be there to unveil a plaque to honour her on Betty Cuthbert Avenue in Ermington.

Betty was diagnosed with MS over 50 years ago and she continued to fight this ever since. Even those who were not around to see her at her sporting peak know how strong she was. There was hardly a dry eye in the house when she carried the torch into the Sydney Olympic opening ceremony, pushed in a wheelchair by Raelene Boyle. It was one of the most powerful and enduring images of the games. Vale, Betty Cuthbert. You were a fighter, a champion and an inspiration, and you remain our golden girl.

Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just remind members: if props are to be used and you want to miss question time, try me.