AFL National Women's League

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (14:55): My question is to the Minister for the Status of Women. How is the AFL women's competition advancing the status of South Australian women?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:55): I pass on my thanks to the member for this important question. For so long, women have been spectators, standing on the sidelines watching and cheering on the blokes. For so long, our passion and knowledge of the game has been questioned. For so long, our inclusion was merely tolerated by some and aggressively opposed by others, but now it is our turn.

The launch of the AFL women's competition is important because it shows young girls across the nation that their highest sporting dreams are possible. How heartening to know that 'she can'. Eight clubs have chosen to take part in this inaugural women's competition: Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, Fremantle, Brisbane, the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Western Bulldogs. South Australia is represented by the Adelaide Crows women's team. Let me be clear: it will be the only time I support the Crows. I am very much looking forward to Port Adelaide fielding a team in future games.

Seeing these talented footballers line up in their uniforms for the first time, singing their club song with pride and joy, was a moment that transcended sport and club rivalry. It was a glimmer of empowerment, a significant step forward for women in Australia and a solid reminder that excellence knows no gender. Our government supports the significant role of women in sport, and that is why our Premier established the Women in Sport Taskforce, led by the member for Reynell, to encourage the development of women's sport in our thriving state.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Wright is warned for the second and the final time.

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: In our last budget, we committed $10 million to upgrade or build female change rooms at sport clubs across our state because this government firmly believes that female athletes deserve access to the same level of facilities as our male athletes. I spent many a Kapunda netball match—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON: Let me thank the member for Reynell for her commitment to advancing the interests of women in sport in all facets of our community. She was amongst the thousands of South Australians at Thebarton Oval last month cheering on our women's team, and her work as the chair of the South Australian Women in Sports Taskforce is notable. A change is happening. From our Premier to the Treasurer, from the Minister for Recreation and Sport to the member for Reynell, every single member of this government stands with our female athletes.

The first step towards equality is visibility, as the women on this side of the house can be seen. The AFL women's competition shows young girls that they too can achieve the highest sporting dreams, that their gender is not a hindrance and that it is possible. As Minister for the Status of Women, I draw members' attention to Wednesday being International Women's Day. I ask that all members of parliament celebrate this special day when we reflect on our ambition to have 50 per cent representation of women in parliament.