Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about the Federation Internationale de Hockey, or FIH, Pro League in Hobart, and in particular the Hockeyroos' match against China that I attended. For two weeks in February, Hobart hosted eight of the best hockey nations in the world at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in New Town. Both our national women's team, the Hockeyroos, and our national men's team, the Kookaburras, competed on home soil, giving Tasmanians and Australians that rare chance to see both elite women's and men's international hockey in the one tournament. For the first time, Australia brought back-to-back stages of the Pro League together in one city, and that city was Hobart. That is a strong endorsement of Tasmania's sporting community and our ability to deliver events of genuine international standing.

I was there to watch the Hockeyroos take on a very experienced Chinese side. The result did not go Australia's way, unfortunately, with China finishing 3-1 winners. But what stood out was the grit and composure of the Australian team. This was a squad featuring fresh faces and emerging talent, taking on an opponent with far greater international experience. China came into the match with almost 1,000 international appearances across their squad, compared to just over 300 for Australia.

There were young players—budding national squad players, I'm sure—in the crowd, watching every contest, every tackle and every run into the circle. Seeing Australia compete at the international level here in Tasmania sends a powerful message about opportunity and aspiration. Events like the Pro League do more than showcase elite sport; they back local jobs, support small businesses and highlight the strength of community sport.

To the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras: thank you for your effort and resilience. Tasmania was proud to cheer you on.