Matt Keogh (Burt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a proud, sports-loving Western Australian—as is the member for Perth, here—I call on Rugby's governing bodies to hear the cries of Western Force fans and to keep our proud club alive. Along with thousands of passionate sports fans, I have cheered my lungs out watching our boys take to the field with the best of the game.

Since 2005, our vibrant royal blue jerseys have been a proud sign that rugby is indeed alive and kicking in Western Australia. Rugby in the west is a good thing for the game and in the west it is a good thing. Rugby at the highest level must remain in WA; otherwise, it weakens the development of our entire code in the state. Any attempt to crash tackle the Force out of super rugby would not only be devastating for local rugby fans but also a backward step for the game itself.

Today Western Force are fighting for their survival. Their legal team, led by former Western Australia Governor Malcolm McCusker, are fighting to keep the Force out of compulsory arbitration. And the sea of blue are meeting tonight to support our WA team. For the fans and the players, rugby deserves to remain a part of our sporting culture in the WA, and I call on the ARU to keep our pride game alive in Western Australia—not just for the players; not just for the supports; but also for the thousands of young girls and boys who take to their own rugby fields each week fuelled by their passion for the game and looking forward to emulating their Western Force idols. Go Western Force!