Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, there have been some absolutely wonderful stories out of the Paralympics and I'm sure over the coming days there will be many more to come. Australia's medal tally to date is 13 gold, 23 silver and 24 bronze—a total of 60 medals thus far, and I'm sure there will be more over the next few days. Importantly, our team has competed with the pride that you've expressed and has represented our nation with so much pride and capacity. Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin put it perfectly when she said earlier this week:

The culture of the Australian Paralympic Team is shining through at a time when it's been severely tested. I couldn't be prouder of the way everyone has risen to the occasion.

I echo her comments, and I'm sure the rest of Australia would do exactly the same.