Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

Eighteen gold, 17 silver and 28 bronze medals: after competing for 11 days, Australia's Paralympic team has made Australia extremely proud of them, finishing in the top ten in the world. There's no doubt that watching our Paralympians compete on the world stage and watching them share their stories has empowered our nation, particularly many young Australians, to participate. It's empowering big dreams and empowering us to pursue our dreams no matter what adversity gets thrown in our way. Importantly, it provides encouragement to all Australians, particularly young Australians, to get out there and participate in sport.

Australia has been behind our team every step or wheel of the way, because we've witnessed a demonstration of human spirit, of strength, of talent, of teamwork and, most particularly, of resilience. What a fantastic way to finish off the games with gold medallists Lauren Parker and James Turner carrying the flag at the closing ceremony. It was a privilege this morning to join the family, friends and supporters of our para-athletes in welcoming them home to Australian soil. But, above all, there was a deep appreciation for the fact that these athletes are competing at the top of their field and they have overcome significant adversity to be there. There is no doubt that our athletes left our shores as athletes and have returned as national heroes.

So I think it's fair to say that every single Australian, our entire country, thanks and congratulates our Paralympic team for how they have represented our nation on the world stage and for the empowerment and encouragement they have provided every Australian who has watched on from home.