Friday, 14 November 2025

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:54): I stand today in support of 11-year-old Emily and her family. Young Emily has shared her experience of being excluded from her rightful place in a regional sporting event by the Department of Education after her spot was taken by a male student. I have no doubt there are several girls who have felt helpless in the face of this kind of unfairness, and Emily is speaking up for them. All children should be free to participate in sport, but girls sport does need to be protected. The Olympic movement reportedly agrees with this assessment, and after extensive scientific review is set to announce that it will safeguard women’s sport from athletes born as male. Victorian schools should do the same. Research shows girls participation in sport builds confidence and resilience and improves body image and psychological wellbeing, and this is absolutely worth protecting. I applaud Emily for taking a stand to benefit others, and I congratulate her parents for raising a daughter who is already a champion.