House debates

Thursday, 18 October 2018

Questions without Notice

Invictus Games

3:12 pm

Photo of Bill ShortenBill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I rise to support the words of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and, indeed, to support our Invictus athletes wholeheartedly. In this very brief indulgence I would like to suggest to the parliament that we do more in this moment than just speak words, as important as they are. Previously, the Australian Sports Medal was awarded to people who contributed to the nation's sporting success. For example, 18,000 people received an Australian Sports Medal for their work on the Sydney Olympics. But the medal has since been discontinued. I offer Labor's support to reviving the Australian Sports Medal. It's within the power of the government of the day to write to the Governor-General and revive it. Given the wonderful spotlight that Invictus puts upon veterans, disability and the nation's sport, I think this would be a modest recognition for the actual team, the leadership team and the administrators.

In closing, we wish the team co-captains, Matty Brumby and Nicole Bradley, and all of their fellow athletes all the very best.

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