Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We all saw that powerful photo of sisters Cathy Freeman, Evonne Goolagong and Ash Barty together. This country's greatest athletes and the definition of black excellence are such a great inspiration to all young women and girls. However, we can't just celebrate our elite women and gender diverse athletes—we need to pay them. It's a great time for sport in this country. The AFL women's season is underway, and it is unbelievable that there is such a huge gap between the pay that AFLM players and AFLW players take home. How can the league call their elite athletes professional players if a whole lot of them don't even get paid properly?

This season most AFLW player will earn just over $20,000. Because AFLW players are paid so little, most have to juggle other work just to stay afloat—not to mention that they are also far more likely than their male counterparts to develop ACL injuries. AFLW is quickly becoming the No. 1 female sport in this country. These incredible athletes must be paid at the highest rate and must be supported into becoming full-time professional athletes with the pay that they deserve. Go AFLW!