Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak on this extraordinary achievement and to honour the dedication, the perseverance and the triumphs of the Australian athletes who have made us all proud in the 2024 Olympics. This has been the most successful games in Australian history and has once again showcased the spirit of cooperation, unity and the sheer will to excel.

First and foremost, let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to every Australian Olympian who competed in these games. Your hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment have brought glory to our nation and inspired millions. Each one of you has demonstrated what it means to pursue excellence, to overcome obstacles and to represent your country with honour. This year's Olympics has been especially remarkable, from the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums to the breathtaking performances on the fields and tracks, in watercourses and on courts. We have witnessed moments that will be etched in our memories forever. Our athletes not only have competed but have set new benchmarks, broken records and redefined what is possible. We celebrate some of the standout achievements: 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze, ranking us fourth in the world.

My personal congratulations must go to our very own Pearce resident, Charlie Senior, who achieved bronze in boxing. Well done, Charlie. We are very, very proud of you. The resilience and prowess shown by our swimmers, who brought home a spectacular haul of medals, is awe-inspiring. Our track and field athletes, with their extraordinary speed and strength, have set new records and captivated the world with their performances. And who can forget the outstanding feats in cycling, rowing, skateboarding and gymnastics, where our athletes have truly shone on the global stage.

I'd also like to take a moment and recognise the wonderful women in our Olympic team. We have come a long way since the first modern Olympics in 1896, where women weren't allowed to compete. Today our Australian women Olympians have accrued a fantastic medal tally, sitting third on the women's medal tally and ninth on the overall medal tally—an absolutely incredible feat.

Behind every medal, every victory and every personal best there is a story of relentless effort, countless hours of training and unwavering support. We must acknowledge the coaches, trainers, support staff and families who have been the pillars of strength for our athletes. Your dedication and encouragement has been instrumental in their success. This celebration is not just about medals and the records but also about the values that sports instil in us: teamwork, perseverance, integrity and respect. Our athletes have embodied these values, set an example for the younger generation and for all of us. They have shown that, with determination and hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.

The 2024 Olympics have also highlighted the importance of unity in sportsmanship. In a world often divided by differences, sport has the unique power to bring people together to foster understanding and friendship. Our athletes have not only competed fiercely but also formed friendships with competitors from all around the world. The spirit of unity and mutual respect is something that we can all be proud of. As we celebrate these incredible achievements, let us look into the future with optimism and hope. The success of our athletes serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a nation. It inspires us to continue supporting and nurturing the talent of our future Olympians, to invest in sports at all levels and to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all Australians.

Speaking of investing in sports, the Albanese Labor government has invested almost $500 million over the next two years—the largest Olympic and Paralympic sport investment ever—as we head towards Los Angeles in 2028. This doubles the funding going towards Paralympic sport and is on top of our $200 million Play Our Way fund for women's and girls' sports infrastructure.

In closing I would like to express my deepest gratitude and admiration to all our Olympians. You have made history. You have made us all immensely proud. Your legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us all that greatness is within our reach if we dare to dream and work hard. I'm looking forward to the Paralympics, which will start on 28 August. I send all the athletes, their families and coaches all the very best, and I wish you strength, determination and success in the upcoming competition. Thank you once again. Congratulations to team Australia for an unforgettable Olympic performance. Let us continue to celebrate this incredible achievement and look forward to even greater successes in the future.

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