Women in sport
Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, Minister for Employment, Minister for Public Transport) (09:48): It was an awesome day at Windy Hill for senior women’s football recently, on 19 August. I rise to congratulate the Airport West Football Club – I am wearing my Airport West Football Club tie – and in particular Marcus Barclay for their premiership success. The Airport West Football Club have had a magnificent season. No-one kicked more than two goals against them, and they got on and won the grand final. Natasha Campbell took home the best and fairest award for an amazing grand final appearance. We do know equality is an unequivocal must, and we know everyone needs a sporting chance. It is great to see the next generation coming through, from juniors to seniors in women’s sport. We have seen the Matildas have unparalleled success as well as the Diamonds netballers, and to now see juniors and women’s football going so well on our regional and our suburban football grounds is critically important.
I also want to give a shout-out to Trent Rogers, the senior coach at Airport West, who is retiring at the end of this season. He and his family have dedicated so much time to the football club. A former junior and senior player – I really wish Trent and his family every success in the future. I also want to congratulate the Doutta Stars women’s division 1 as well as the Aberfeldie women’s premier division for their success.
Women’s football is going so strong. Everyone needs a sporting chance. Equality is an unequivocal must in our society. Everyone must get behind women’s football going forward. State government, local government – we all have a role to play in providing more women’s football facilities.