ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:12): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: The Adelaide Thunderbirds have had a stellar season, culminating in their winning the second semifinal and going straight into the grand final to be played in Adelaide the weekend after next. I am sure all in this place wish them every success. My concern is that, if they do secure the trans-Tasman championship, this government will immediately acknowledge that success with a state reception, as is afforded to other national championship teams, unlike the appalling way this government forgot to celebrate a recent QUIT Lightning women's basketball success, only acknowledging that after calls from the Liberal Party. My question is: can the government and the Minister for the Status of Women guarantee that, if our state's beloved Thunderbirds win this year's championship, the government will act swiftly to organise a state reception to acknowledge their magnificent season and success?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:14): Indeed, I was able to spend some time out on the steps of Parliament House before parliament commenced this afternoon with members of the team and was lucky enough to have my photograph taken with some of those incredibly tall women. I am incredibly supportive of our Adelaide Thunderbirds and very proud of them, and I want to put that on the record. Like all members here in the chamber today, we are very proud of their achievements, and we wish them well in the finals, which are coming up in a week or so.

I am also a particularly passionate advocate for netball, and other sports that are dominated by women, where there are often very high levels of participation. Netball is a sporting activity that has one of the highest levels of public participation, yet unfortunately it receives very little recognition, even at the elite level, like our Thunderbirds. Although it is great to see the recognition they have been receiving, I do not believe it is anywhere near the level they deserve.

It is the same with a lot of sports. You see women in golf, in tennis, even at the elite level they do not receive anywhere near the same recognition or, for that matter, the same prize money or sponsorship—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Well, I don't believe, overall, that our elite sportswomen receive anywhere near the same level of recognition, prize payments or sponsorship deals. There may be some exceptions to that, but they are rare. There is still a great deal of inequity that occurs within our sports, so it is wonderful to see our Adelaide Thunderbirds around town today promoting a wonderful sport, netball. I used to play netball; I was a keen netball player for many years—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: What position?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: First goal, because I was always considered so tall—

An honourable member: First goal?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Defence—with my height it would have to be defence. I always wanted to be a goalie, but I was too tall to be a goalie. Although I was dwarfed out there today, in my time I was considered extremely tall for a women and played first defence, even though deep down I am a frustrated goalie. That aspiration was never to be.

In relation to the sorts of recognition if, and as we hope, these women do win the grand final—and I am most confident—obviously it is a matter for the Minister for Recreation and Sport, and no doubt the Premier will have a view on these matters as well; nevertheless, I can assure honourable members that these women will be given the recognition they deserve. I wish them all the very best.