Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to speak on the two proposed pieces of legislation before the chamber, the National Sports Tribunal Bill 2019 and the National Sports Tribunal (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2019. The creation of a national tribunal to resolve sporting disputes was a key recommendation of the Review of Australia's Sports Integrity Arrangements. The Wood review is both detailed and extensive. It is nearly 300 pages long and contains 52 recommendations. Its work builds on Labor's establishment of the National Integrity of Sport Unit back in 2012 and Labor's strengthening of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's power in 2013. Protecting Australia's sports integrity is an issue that has had bipartisan support over many years. I am pleased to say that this practice of bipartisanship continues today, as Labor lends its support to the establishment of a national sports tribunal through these bills.

As a proud sporting nation, Australia expects sport that is fair, clean and safe. For many Australians, sport is an integral part of their way of life. Whether it's taking the kids to school or club sport or supporting our local and national teams from the stands or from the comfort of our living rooms, there's great value in all of those connections to sport. They enable us to spend time with our family and friends and they strengthen communities by bringing people together. There is also no ignoring the health benefits of keeping active through sporting and, of course, the economic benefits of being the world's sporting capital.

In my own life, I've experienced firsthand the joy of cheering on the Magpies at the MCG in the company of my friends, my family and, of course, the Collingwood cheer squad. Now is an ideal time—with your indulgence, Mr Acting Deputy President—to put on the record my support. And I'm sure if Senator Van were here, we would be wishing Collingwood Football Club all the very best in the lead-up to the 2019 AFL grand final. Regardless of your stripe or your code, there's clearly a lot at stake and a lot for us to protect—