Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Brown and Conroy, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the 2016 Paralympics will take place in Rio from 7 September to 18 September,

  (ii) around 4,350 athletes from more than 160 countries will travel to Rio to compete in 528 medal events in 22 different sports,

  (iii) Australia will be represented by 169 athletes competing across 15 sports, and

  (iv) Australia has a proud history of success at the Paralympic Games, competing at every Games since the first one in Rome in 1960 and finishing in the top five at every summer Games since the Barcelona Games in 1992, including at the London 2012 Paralympic Games where Australia placed fifth on the gold medal tally with 32 gold, 23 silver and 30 bronze medals;

(b) recognises that the Paralympic Games play an important role in:

  (i) putting a spotlight on inclusion in our society,

  (ii) highlighting the need for greater support for people living with disability in Australia and around the world,

  (iii) shaping community attitudes towards disability, and

  (iv) promoting sport for all Australians;

(c) recognises the dedication and hard work of the athletes who have been named as part of the Australian Paralympic Team;

(d) wishes our athletes well in Rio; and

(e) calls on all parliamentarians to support the Australian Paralympic Team at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Question agreed to.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government is proud to support the wonderful men and women who are about to represent our country on the world stage at the Paralympic Games in Rio. The government invests about $16.5 million each year to support the work of the Australian Paralympic Committee and the inspirational para-athletes. For these Paralympics, the government has also invested in making sure our para-athletes arrive in Rio in the best possible physical condition, through the development of customised seating for long-haul flights. We are sure this will assist many of our Paralympic athletes in Rio this year. We look forward to hearing the stories of these exceptional athletes who have overcome adversity to prove they are world-class sports stars. This magnificent event continues to get bigger, and the government is delighted to be able to lend its support to these exceptional Australians who rightly win the admiration and respect of every one of us.

Question agreed to.