Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The revolution of women's sport in Australia has taken over our news bulletins due to the undeniable success of our netball, AFL, soccer, rugby league, cricket and most recently the Commonwealth Games teams. Our Aussie women have won gold medals, trophies and medallions. They have smashed world records, becoming leaders in the rise of women's sporting success in Australia. Last weekend I had the privilege to meet the women's Sandgate Hawks, an AFLW team, before their game and to watch their game down at the Sandgate Hawks oval. They won convincingly. The team, in only in their second season, are currently sitting third on the ladder. A shout-out to the girls who are kicking goals. I got to meet Alicia, whose nickname is 'Irish'. She invited me along to the game. Every weekend these women are kicking goals. Tegan Beaven was last weekend's most improved player. Aleena Long, Kara Fabian and coach Troy Beaven, we are looking forward to seeing your strategic plan get the girls to the finals this year.

As a government, we are leading the way to encourage all Australians to get involved with sport. I was pleased to hear of the funding initiatives announced in the budget, including $29.7 million for sporting infrastructure development grants to improve local community sporting facilities. (Time expired)