Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I join with the Prime Minister in his words of congratulation to the Socceroos. It is a pretty amazing outcome to get down to the final 16—unexpected in some ways, but there are the skill and tenacity that they have got, the coaching that they have received and, I suspect, the cheers from the Australian supporters. It's been a pretty remarkable campaign so far. It is, of course, the first time since 2006 and only the second time in the World Cup history that we've got to this point. This is going to be a tough game against Argentina, but they've got a lot of mettle and a lot of capacity within the team.

I want to give a shout-out to all those supporters who are over in Qatar at the moment for the passion they've got and the sacrifices they have made. In many cases, I suspect, they've spent a small fortune getting there. They will get the credit card bill when they get home, but they will be having the time of their lives. To see those Australian flags flying proudly with those supporters over there should make us all very proud indeed.

I give a shout-out to the No. 1 ticket holder for football here in the Australian parliament: that's Dom from Aussie's Cafe. You can't go and get a cup of coffee without it blaring in the background! If you go to the gym at six o'clock in the morning, he's already there and it's up on every TV screen. I don't know whether he's making any money at the moment, but he is certainly watching many of the games on TV! I'm sure he is, like many Australian around the country at the moment, not only very proud of the Socceroos but proud of what the world game of football does for relations.

I really congratulate all those who are wearing the uniform in our country's name and I wish the team all the very best for Sunday.

Question agreed to.

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