Judith Adams (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The co-chair was Senator Lundy. The committee recommends:

… that the government consider allocating up to $1 million to the Australian Paralympic Committee to assist with production and associated costs of televised coverage of the forthcoming Paralympics, and that the arrangement stipulate that a condition of accessing this funding be that there be balanced coverage of male and female athletes.

I think this recommendation is highly commendable and I hope that it is adopted.

One of the major findings of this committee during this inquiry was that physical activity in the form of organised sport involves people with their communities and expands their social horizons. As a rural person I could not agree more with this because sport is important in rural communities, especially for women. I can say this as I am a bowler and I am a golfer. Sport really does benefit all age groups. And for rural women participation in sport means that there is one day they can get off their farms or out of their businesses, come in and enjoy their sport and have a social day. That is the only day that many rural women are able to have to themselves.

The inquiry had three important points which were revealed. The challenges faced by women in sport are challenges faced by everyone. The changes needed to encourage more women to go into leadership roles in sport and to participate more should be addressed by a partnership of men and women; otherwise they will not get to those leadership roles. All sports people have a part to play in ensuring everyone can enjoy their game or activity, and all parents have a part to play in ensuring their boys and girls stay healthy and active.

The committee found that participation in physical activity contributes to the overall physical and psychological health of individuals of all ages and social groups. Submissions to the inquiry emphasised the health benefits for women of participation in sport and recreation. The National Heart Foundation stated that physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is the leading cause of disease for Australian women.

Physical activity has also been linked to a reduction in the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, some forms of cancer, and injury among older people. Evidence also indicates that participation in sport and recreation has benefits for all age groups. ABS data and other social research confirms that physical activity provides girls and young women with leadership and teamwork skills, skill development, improved self-esteem and a reduced likelihood of making bad choices. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.