Kate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Youth and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question. From the outset I take this opportunity, through the parliament, to welcome to Australia the some 650 delegates who have commenced their arrival in Australia for the FIFA Congress. I would also like to note and welcome the almost 2,000 observers and media representatives who will join them. This FIFA world congress is a prestigious and very important gathering which has never before been hosted by Australia and is being held at the Sydney Opera House. It is, in fact, international football’s biggest off-field event and a significant opportunity for us to showcase Australia. Last night I had the opportunity to meet with the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, and the FIFA executive committee. I informed President Blatter that the Rudd government is committed to the growth of world football in Australia and I outlined—

See this speech in context