Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I just thought honourable members might be interested in this. I think it is good for the country. To those opposite, please join in as well. Young Lydia Lassila in the winter games has just gone on to win more gold for Australia. This is really good. She has had a magnificent year, winning two World Cup gold medals in 2010 at Deer Valley and at Lake Placid. I am advised that this makes these the most successful Winter Olympics that Australia has ever had. I just say to 28-year-old Lydia: the country is proud of you. It is a really good achievement for Australia. It lifts the nation’s spirits when we see our athletes doing so well abroad and contributing to these being the most successful Winter Olympics that Australia has ever had. Well done, Lydia.

Steven Ciobo (Moncrieff, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Youth and Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I would just like to associate the opposition with the comments of the Prime Minister and to congratulate Lydia Lassila on her outstanding effort in winning gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. This follows on from her sensational style in her 2009 World Cup success and that is crowned by her now realising her childhood ambition of becoming an Olympic champion. It is a typically gutsy effort from Lydia Lassila, whose first jump had the highest degree of difficulty in the first round. At only 28, she continues a long dynasty of female freestyle skiing champions in Australia, such as Kirstie Marshall, Jacqui Cooper and Alisa Camplin. The opposition joins in congratulating her and the team.

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think all the House would welcome the achievements of our winter Olympians.

Mike Kelly (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

All of Cooma is celebrating.