Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, Mr Speaker: the events in this House were not the only contest overnight. There was another contest in the great game of football—soccer—and Australia won that contest 2-1 over Serbia. It is important to acknowledge the fact that our Socceroos gave their all. Yes, it is sad that their World Cup campaign is over, but I am sure that Australians everywhere are proud of the guts and the commitment they displayed and wish them well in their sporting futures.

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, I suspect when it comes to many sporting codes I will need to defer to the expertise of the Leader of the Opposition. I know about my AFL, but my knowledge gets a little bit more limited as we move away from Australian football. I know the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is more of my way of thinking, with her attachment with West Coast—and I have heard her talk on that very passionately at the North Melbourne grand final breakfast. I join with the Leader of the Opposition in his remarks. He is absolutely right and we should not let the moment pass by without the parliament noting the performance of the Socceroos and congratulating them on their efforts.