Tour Down Under

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:44): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister update the council about the Santos Women's Tour Down Under?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:44): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest, particularly in women's sport. I am delighted to announce that all four stages of the 2020 Santos Women's Tour Down Under will be streamed live for the first time on Seven West Media's digital platforms.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: I am surprised that members opposite want to interject. I thought they would like to sit and listen.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Ridgway, that is my job, not yours. Get on with the answer.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: The Santos women's tour will be held from 16 to 19 January 2020, and we couldn't be more excited. The live streaming of the race will mean more eyes on South Australia. It's a great chance to show off our amazing Hills, picturesque beaches and fantastic tourism offerings. As we know, the regions are incredibly important to South Australian tourism, with 43¢ of every tourism dollar spent in the regions. Showcasing these areas will continue to solidify South Australia as a world-class tourism destination.

The Santos Tour Down Under, Australia's premier cycling race, is eagerly anticipated each year. The event continues to go from strength to strength, with this year's Santos Women's Tour Down Under elevated to a UCI ProSeries status. This follows the announcement in 2018 that equal prize money will be awarded to both male and female competitors. This is just another way that women's sport is taking centre stage right here and now in South Australia.

The Matildas versus Chile, the friendly match on 12 November, will be a welcome return to Coopers Stadium and is sure to be a great game. Additionally, the news that world number one, Ash Barty, will play at the brand-new Adelaide International this summer alongside world number five, Simona Halep, is another huge announcement for South Australia. The live streaming of all four stages of the women's Tour Down Under is a fantastic opportunity to grow the profile of the sport. It is clear there is growing interest in women's sport of all kinds, and the Marshall government is thrilled to support women's sport.

I might just give members a bit of information following Tuesday's question time, if I may quickly while I'm on my feet. I was asked a question by the Hon. Clare Scriven about the meeting I held with E3Sixty. I can inform her that there were three gentlemen I met with: a Mr Brett Goodin, a Mr Wayne Breeze and a Mr Mark Riddiford. That was held at level 19, 1 O'Connell Street, Sydney.