Joanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

First, let me join others today in congratulating you, Madam Deputy Speaker, on your position. The 28th of July is finally here; the wait for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games is over. I know that many on this side will be celebrating it, and, as we've heard today, there are so many with athletes in their electorate. There are 435 Australians set to compete, among 4,000 athletes from about 72 countries around the world. It's an exciting day for me. I am no stranger to sport and am, as everyone in this chamber knows, a lover of sport. I want to wish all of those Australians athletes all the best. I want to join with the members for Boothby, Dunkley and Bean in celebrating people from their electorates. The electorate of Lalor is not sending an athlete to the Commonwealth Games, but it won't change my excitement, because the Australian Diamonds will be playing in the Commonwealth Games. As everyone knows—including those in the chamber who are friends of netball—we are hoping to see the Australian Diamonds bring home gold at these Commonwealth Games.

There are many sports being played this time. It is the biggest para sport program ever for the Commonwealth Games. Women's T20 cricket will be played for the first time. There is 3x3 basketball happening, but my eyes will be fixed on Liz Watson and the Australian Diamonds. Go Aussies!