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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-05-13 Daily Xml
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Elite Women's Basketball

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:58): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council about the future of elite women's basketball in South Australia?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his question and interest in women's basketball and to speak about the future of one of South Australia's most iconic sporting teams, Adelaide Lightning. Since entering the Women's National Basketball League in 1993, Adelaide Lightning has carved out a legacy as the most successful club in its league's history. With five WNBL championships and a track record of developing world-class athletics, including Olympians and WNBL champions, Lightning is not just a team, it is a symbol of excellence and an opportunity for community pride.

Many remember the glory years: the championships in 1994, 1995, 1996 and again in 1998. Names like Jan Stirling and Rachael Sporn have become famous for South Australian basketball greatness. Rachael represented Australia at three Olympic Games and was a part of four Lightning championships in the nineties. The team was consistently in the finals and its contribution to women's sport in Australia is unmatched.

Despite its rich history, the future of the Adelaide Lightning was recently cast in doubt, putting South Australia's representation in the WNBL at serious risk. That's when the Malinauskas Labor government stepped in. We knew it was unthinkable to let the Lightning disappear. We acted decisively, working in partnership with the WNBL and a new ownership group to ensure this team continues to inspire the next generation of women and girls across our state.

Through a combined financial and in-kind support package, we are not just keeping the lights on, we are keeping the Lightning thriving. Under this agreement, the team will now train at the newly opened $88 million South Australian Sports Institute facility at Mile End, with a world-class high-performance gym, testing lab, elite courts and dedicated recovery zones. The Lightning will also receive access to coaching support, office space, medical services and a nurturing environment to elevate their game.

In addition, we have committed $100,000 a year over three years to support community-based programs that inspire girls and women to take up basketball and pursue elite pathways. Our partnership with the THINK! Road Safety initiative, valued at over $100,000 annually, will also be continued.

This investment is about more than saving a team, it is about what the team represents: resilience, ambition and excellence. It is about ensuring that young girls across South Australia can look to the Lightning team and see what is possible. This is a win for the club and the community who fought so hard for its future. The Adelaide Lightning is not just staying in the WNBL, it is entering a new era backed by a state that believes in women's sport and is proud to see our champions shine on a national stage.

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