Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you for the opportunity, Mr Speaker, to continue what I was saying before about the accomplishments of the Australian Diamonds. Yesterday, 16,000 fans cheered the Australian Diamonds as they defeated the Silver Ferns. There are few rivalries more intense than the trans-Tasman rivalry. We know that New Zealand prides itself on two sports—rugby and netball—and I am pleased to see that Australia's elite netballers have been successful. These Australian netballers are role models and they are world champions. We have just found out in the last few minutes that not only are we seeing retirements of some players announced but Kimberlee Green has also announced her retirement.

It was a remarkable contest. Lisa Alexander, the coach, deserves credit for her smart tactical plays. Laura Geitz was an inspirational captain. Our goal shooters were incredibly accurate, including Caitlin Bassett, and, of course, Julie Corletto played heroically in defence.

Australia is a netball nation, but what is most pleasing is that these champions will inspire a new generation of Australian netballers. There is no doubt that elite women professional athletes have not received the equal treatment that they deserve in Australian sport. Famously, netballers were called the 'last great amateurs' a few years ago—not because of their amateur sport but because of their lack of fair remuneration when it came to playing sport. What we would say to Australia's women netballers is: 'You are elite professional athletes; you are strong, determined and dominant; you are Australian role models and you are world champions.' There is only one word to sum up Australia's Diamonds: brilliant.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

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