Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I move this motion, I seek leave to amend the motion to add the name of Senator Farrell.

Leave is granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senator Farrell, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the success of the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition during its first two seasons,

(ii) the successful expansion of the AFLW competition to include 10 teams from all over Australia,

(iii) that, under the changes being introduced to the AFLW 2019 season, not every team will have an opportunity to play each other, and

(iv) the critique by Melbourne captain, Ms Daisy Pearce, that the competition risks becoming "gimmicky" if the length of the season does not allow for teams to play each another at least once; and

(b) encourages:

(i) the AFL to increase the number of AFLW rounds from 7 to 10 in 2019, enabling each team to play each other, as promoted by football legend Mr Kevin Sheedy, and

(ii) the Federal Government to work with community and commercial organisations to promote women in professional sport.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just seek leave to insert the word 'biological' before 'women' in this motion.

Leave not granted.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) 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.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The success of the AFL Women's and other elite women's sporting competitions has inspired a wave of female grassroots sport participation. Highly visible female sporting role models are inspiring Australian women and girls to take part in sport, enjoy its benefits and pursue their sporting dreams. Labor believes that we need to build on the growth in women's sport that Australia is currently experiencing, so we support this motion. I'd also point out that it's become obvious through other issues in the public domain that the government has a hotline to Gillon McLachlan, the AFL CEO, and I'd encourage them to pick up the phone and demand a better deal for AFL Women's.

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) 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.

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just want to make two quick points. First, I've been coerced, and I'm now a very proud member of the AFLW Bulldogs team—a member not a player! Second, I'd like to say that this motion was inspired by the great player and coach Kevin Sheedy.

Question agreed to.