Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Briefly, on a much more pleasant note, I rise to wish the Socceroos all the best. The World Cup campaign for the world game begins in Qatar for Australia tomorrow at 6 am, with the match against the reigning world champions, France. We wish all of the Socceroos all the best for tomorrow, and many of us of course will be up watching. It is a sport for which we will be hosting the Women's World Cup in 2023, along with New Zealand. That will be an important event. It will actually be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted here in Australia. On behalf of the government, but I think the parliament as well, we wish our Socceroos all the best.

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

Thank you to the Prime Minister for advising a few moments ago that he was intending to make those comments. Obviously, we wish the Socceroos all the very best in what will be a tough match. Nonetheless, they've got a great fighting spirit, and we wish them every success tomorrow morning and in the course of the tournament as well.

I also take the opportunity to acknowledge, in the other world cup that has just taken place, in Rugby League, the work of the Kangaroos and the Jillaroos, both successful. In the case of the Jillaroos, it's the third successive year that they have won. Of course, I'll mention Ali Brigginshaw, who is a Broncos player, who was player of the match. A special mention also goes to Mal Meninga, James Tedesco and others, who have done a fantastic job in our country's name. I wish all of those who are still celebrating every success; they'll return home at some stage, when it's appropriate for them do so!