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

On a far, far happier matter, I am sure the House will want to join as one to congratulate Sam Stosur on her remarkable win. I had the opportunity of speaking to her not that long ago. She is heading for a well-deserved celebration and I think we can all imagine that she will very much enjoy that with her team and with her people who are accompanying her. I assured her that the nation was going to be celebrating with her. This is a remarkable sporting triumph, the first Australian woman to win a grand slam event since Evonne Goolagong won Wimbledon in 1980, and the first Australian woman to win the US Open since Margaret Court in 1973. It is an event to truly be celebrated. I am sure that Sam is already celebrating in her own way, and for a moment or two here in this place we celebrate with her.

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

I would join with the Prime Minister and with millions of our fellow Australians in celebrating this terrific win. I think all Australians rejoice in the triumph of this terrific young sportswoman; certainly, all tennis lovers in this country so rejoice. May this be not simply a one-off, not simply a throwback to the glory days; may this be the harbinger of a real renaissance in Australian tennis.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That further statements on indulgence on Sam Stosur and the US Open to be referred to the Main Committee.

As a 35-year member of the Marrickville and District Hardcourt Tennis Club, I associate myself with the congratulations offered by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Question agreed to.