House debates State of Origin Rugby League

Wednesday, 3 June 2009 House of Representatives

Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister

3:49 pm

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: today, of course, has been a good day for the Australian economy, but tonight will be a good night for football and the State of Origin. It will be a particularly good night if the forces of righteousness, Queensland, happen to win. So I am sure all reasonable members would join with me in saying ‘Go the Maroons!’ Swanny and I are backing Queensland and people like Burky, Albo, Robert, Joel, Peter, Chris and Tanya are simply mistaken. But this will be a good night. I say to those opposite: we are backing Queensland—a great team. I notice that amongst those opposite the Leader of the Opposition is wearing a blue tie. I am sure he is backing his own side. Good on him. I notice the member for North Sydney is backing Ireland. Are you backing Ireland, Joe? It is going to be a good night—go the Maroons, but may the best team win.

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House

3:51 pm

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: as Leader of the House I dissociate myself from that part of the Prime Minister’s comments with regard to who should win tonight. Go the Blues!

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Before giving the call to the member for Parkes, may I say: if only the green tie that the member for North Sydney wears applied to this referee as well!