Senate debates

Thursday, 12 August 2021

Statements

Brisbane Olympic Games: Netball

1:42 pm

Photo of Don FarrellDon Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

I rise this afternoon to speak on the wonderful announcement this week by Netball Australia to campaign for netball to be included in the 2032 Olympics. As you would know, Acting Deputy President Askew, Australia—in particular, Queensland—has been successful in gaining the 2032 Olympics. Wouldn't it just be a wonderful treat at that event in Australia for netball to be included as an Olympic sport for the first time? I guess the surprising thing, given its popularity, particularly in Australia, is that it hasn't already been included as an Olympic sport. I've taken the opportunity, as the opposition's shadow minister for sport, to write to the CEO of Netball Australia, Kelly Ryan, to welcome this terrific initiative.

Netball has an iconic place in Australia's sporting community. Every night, every day, all around Australia, you'll see women and girls playing this terrific sport. As I suspect you know, Acting Deputy President, netball is the top sport for female participation in this country. We're already set to host the 2027 Netball World Cup, so, if Netball Australia is successful with their campaign, a generation of young Australians will get to see their heroes not once but twice on Australian soil.

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