Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I need to celebrate that we have had a record-breaking representation of the Australian team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Our winter Olympians have just done something extraordinary. As a nation that is not always associated with winter sports, we have nonetheless won six medals, including three gold, two silvers and a bronze. It was an incredible feat by so many. Obviously, from my perspective it was great to watch, but we need to be aware that pride alone doesn't buy lift passes or ice time, coaching time or world-class preparation, and winter sports still receive far less financial support than summer sports do, especially proportional, when we see those results. The gap should close.

We can see that it is that representation of Australia on the world stage that is a benefit to all Australians when it comes to tourism and how the rest of the world thinks of Australia. You look at a country like Norway—such a small nation yet such incredible results, which shows what good programs and good government supports for that can do. We're about to start the Paralympic Games, and I have from Warringah two incredible athletes competing: Ben Tudhope, going to his fourth Paralympics, in the snowboard cross; and Dave Miln, who is debuting in the para biathlon. I wish them the best of luck. All of Warringah and Australia will be watching the whole team.

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