Adelaide Lightning, WNBL

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:57): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier update the house as to the progress of the government's discussions with the WNBL in relation to the Adelaide Lightning? With you leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA: It has been reported that all Adelaide Lightning players have been released from their contracts in negotiations today amid growing uncertainty about the team's future in the WNBL.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:57): He is obsessed with sport, Mr Speaker; he is obsessed with sport. I think it is fair to say that the state government is concerned, to say the least, about recent news emerging around the prospects of Adelaide Lightning going into—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: Yes; you do. Mr Speaker, the state government is concerned about the prospects of Adelaide Lightning being lost to the WNBL, and there are a couple of things I want to say. The Adelaide Lightning deservedly has one of the proudest histories in the WNBL. It has a formidable record, and has produced absolute superstars who have represented not just our city and our state well, but also our country.

The news that has been emerging over the last few days regarding the WNBL has naturally necessitated government engagement, and the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing has been in touch with representatives of Adelaide Lightning, and indeed the WNBL, including at the highest levels of the league.

I am happy to advise the house that I understand that there is an important meeting occurring tomorrow at which the minister will be present to understand exactly the circumstances of the situation and what are the plans to remediate it. It is fair to say this: the WNBL itself does not want to see Adelaide Lightning lost to the competition. Basketball in Australia is on the rise. We see a high level of participation in basketball amongst both women and men, and it is absolutely critical in our view that we see a women's team from the state of South Australia.

When we think about inspirational leaders, Rachael Sporn comes to mind. Her contribution to female participation in sport in this state is well known and is credentialed, and that is all because of the opportunity that she had to play at the highest level in our country for Adelaide Lightning.

Minister Bourke is engaged in this. There is an important meeting tomorrow. The government very much anticipates that we will be furnished with far more information tomorrow about exactly how it is that these circumstances have arisen, and hopefully get a sense of what plans there might be for a remedy to the situation.

But it doesn't appear good. The news that has been breaking even during the course of question time regarding the release of players is particularly disconcerting. There is evidence that the club is in crisis, and that is why we are very concerned about it. I have asked Minister Bourke—in fact, she was already onto it in any event—to be fully engaged and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of the discussions and meeting tomorrow.