FIFA Women’s World Cup
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:19): (237) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. It could be anyone. Minister, for the World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday night your government provided a live site at the Rod Laver Arena, saying:
… the energy in the city will be electric and the benefits will flow on to local businesses.
For Wednesday’s semifinal the government will open AAMI Park, with the Premier stating:
Big game needs a bigger stadium.
Can the minister advise the house what live sites the Victorian government has set up in Gippsland, Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong or Mildura?
Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Equality) (12:20): Thank you, Mr Bourman, for that question. I will refer that to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, but as a gratuity, Mr Bourman, you may not be aware that there are numerous live sites where this evening’s game will be broadcast. ABC Gippsland has in fact published an online list of sites where that game will be live streamed, and there are many, many places around rural and regional Victoria where this extraordinary game will be coming alive, including at sporting facilities and clubs.
I also just want to take this opportunity to say: go the Matildas! This is something which has united the Parliament and indeed the nation. I wish every player the best of luck, from Kerr to Fowler, to Raso, to van Egmond. We have so many talented players doing the most extraordinary things. My favourite, Cortnee Vine – it is just about ready to be Vine time again – is going to be absolutely amazing. I wish them well. Mr Bourman, I would hope too that you will be watching along with the game this evening as we take it up to the Lionesses and show them who is boss. Perhaps I might see you later on to share a moment with a green and gold scarf and to celebrate just how far we have come with the Matildas progressing further than any other football team in history.
Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:21): I thank the minister for her referral and her answer. I know there are a lot of sites that are open in regional Victoria by private individuals, so it is specifically what government sites are open. I will just say I have noted that the minister himself has jetted off to Sydney to watch the semifinal. Some local councils have stepped up, which is great, and also local pubs and clubs in regional Victoria are providing places to come together, but that is not suitable for many families. Minister, just weeks after breaking regional Victorians’ hearts by cancelling the Victorian games, why did the government again forget regional Victorian families when it comes to cheering on the Matildas – and the government, not private people?
Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Equality) (12:22): Again, I will refer that to the minister, but I would also say, Mr Bourman, that I was cheering along the Matildas from regional Victoria in the most recent game and indeed the games before that. I am not sure whether you were in the region that we share for those games, but the sentiment and the support is absolutely palpable around the state. I was thinking earlier about the work that has happened to provide opportunities for people, many from regional Victorian communities, many from regional sporting communities, where as you know, Mr Bourman, we punch well above our weight. We have elite champions, world champions, that hail from regional Victoria. I watched those games from there; I hope that you will too. I cannot wait to see the Matildas storm through to victory in what promises to be an extraordinary event this evening.