NETBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ms PORTOLESI (Hartley) (14:30): Can the Premier inform the house of Australia's netball world championship win in Auckland and South Australia's involvement?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:30): I think that I can do this not so much as Premier but as the very proud patron of the Thunderbirds, former patron of the Ravens and former vice-president of Garville. I want to thank the honourable member for her question.

Australia is once again the world champion of netball following the absolutely thrilling performance at the weekend in a 42 to 38 goal victory against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday night. I think people would know that it was a very robust game.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Who did I barrack for? If anyone raises any issues about the deputy leader, she squeals, but here she is questioning my patriotism. Who does she think I would be barracking for? I am sure we will see a story in tomorrow’s ‘Tiser about this ethnic slur against me. Years and years of sheep jokes—no wonder I have low self-esteem.

The New World Netball World Championships consisted of an arduous six-match schedule in seven days. Australia entered the championship as No. 2 in the world behind the host nation New Zealand. Of the 12 member Australian squad, only three had played in the world championships before. They are retiring Australian captain, Liz Ellis, vice-captain, Sharelle McMahon, and goal shooter, Catherine Cox.

South Australia was strongly represented again by three Adelaide Thunderbirds champions in Laura and Natalie von Bertouch and rookie Natalie Medhurst. Natalie von Bertouch, a graduate of the South Australian Sports Institute, played centre for the full 60 minutes of the final. Natalie was selected in 2004 for Australia’s open team and made her debut against the New Zealand Silver Ferns during the three test international series in Australia. Natalie is known for her blistering speed, agility and quick reflexes.

Laura von Bertouch, older sister of Natalie, also plays in the centre court as wing attack and she is also known for her speed through the mid-court. The combination of the two sisters caused serious headaches for the Silver Ferns. Laura has been in the Australian netball squad on and off since 2003 and she made her debut for Australia against New Zealand in 2006.

Natalie Medhurst, also a graduate of the South Australian Sports Institute, playing in her first world championships for Australia, was called up by coach Norma Plummer four minutes into the final quarter after Susan Pratley suffered an eye injury. I do not want to be critical of the Silver Ferns, but they were a little on the rugged side. Natalie has been rated as one of the most accurate shooters in Australia in the past three years and she has been described as one of Australia's emerging netball talents.

Although Australia led throughout the game with an eight goal lead in the third quarter, the Silver Ferns kept fighting back in a very physical contest, clawing back the lead to within three goals going into the final quarter. The Australian team maintained its composure to nail its ninth title since the inception of the world championships in 1963.

It was a great achievement to have the South Australian trio on court in the final minutes of this thrilling game. Netball has had a long and proud history in South Australia. I was very pleased to be the motivational coach for the famous Danielle Grant when she was with the Ravens. We have provided a foundation of excellence in netball training for many players who have gone on to wear the green and gold for Australia like Natalie, Laura and Natalie. Not only have we produced a number of Australian players but also the leaders of our national team, including Kathryn Harby-Williams and Michelle den Dekker.

I take this opportunity—I hope (and I am sure) on behalf of all members of this house and parliament—to congratulate the Australian netball team for their stunning victory against New Zealand and, in particular, our South Australian representatives on their fantastic achievements.