Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on the behalf of Senators Reynolds, Kitching and Farrell, move:

That the Senate—

(a) congratulates the players, coaching staff, supporters and clubs involved in the second season of the AFL Women's competition, in particular the 2018 AFLW Premiers, the Western Bulldogs, and runners-up, the Brisbane Lions;

(b) notes the ongoing growth in girls' and women's involvement in Australian Rules football, including:

  (i) during 2017, more than 460 000 participants across all levels, representing 30 per cent of all participation in the game, and

  (ii) in 2017, 1690 women's community club teams taking the field, representing a 76% increase in teams; and

(c) calls on the Government to take action to support women's participation in Australian Rules football, and to support fair pay for its professional players.

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.

Scott Ryan (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 already supports female participation in sport and will continue to do so. For example, our Girls Make Your Move campaign specifically encourages young women to be more active through sport and physical activity. Phase 3 of the campaign was launched at the AFL Women's grand final over the weekend. While it's not the role of the Australian government to determine the pay for athletes, we support the principle of fair pay for professional players.

Question agreed to.