Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:30): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council about preparations for the Olympic Games?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:30): I thank the honourable member for his question and interest in South Australia's preparation as we look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Following what has been Australia's most successful Olympic campaign to date in Paris with an incredible haul of 53 medals, we are entering the next Olympic cycle with renewed energy, ambition and belief. These results have inspired the nation, and we are determined to build on that momentum.

Here in South Australia, we are proud to play a significant role in Australia's sporting success. Our athletes, coaches and programs have consistently delivered on the world stage, and we are taking bold steps to ensure that continues in the lead-up to Los Angeles and beyond. That is why the Malinauskas Labor government has committed $1 million over four years to directly support South Australian Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they prepare for the LA 2028 games. This is in contrast to the former Liberal government, who I am advised chose not to contribute to the Paris 2024 Team Appeal, refusing to commit to any funding at the start of the four-year cycle in 2021.

This targeted support will fund coaching, training camps, access to sports science and medicine, and international competition. It will also ensure our athletes, including those with a disability, have the resources and backing they need to stay competitive while remaining based in South Australia, connected to their local communities and support networks.

At the core of our efforts is the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), which continues to be the engine room of elite sport and athletes in South Australia. SASI will play a critical role in developing many of South Australia's most successful athletes. With a recent investment in technology, high-performance staffing and athletes' wellbeing services, it will be well-equipped to support the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians. This is about more than medals. It is about building a pathway from grassroots to greatness, identifying young talent early and nurturing them through school sports, local sport and then state level development programs right through to elite and international competitions.

We are also focused on collaboration. South Australia continues to work closely with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport to ensure our programs are aligned with national performance goals. This ensures every dollar we invest has maximum impact and enables us to perform at the highest level possible. The success of Paris 2024 shows what is possible and it inspires us to go further. Many of those medal winners are just at the beginning of their journey, and they have created an incredible path for others to follow.

Further, to support athletes beyond the 2028 games, the government will establish a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Committee. This cross-government group will help position SA as an international hub for pre-games training and build on the state's sporting legacy. In South Australia we are proud of our Olympic and Paralympic history and even more excited about what the future looks like.

The PRESIDENT: During question time I don't expect vanilla behaviour, but I do expect some level of behaviour across the chamber. Please think very carefully about what sort of language you use when you are interjecting with each other. Interjections are out of order. There is a difference between having a bit of fun and just being downright disrespectful, so I expect better.