Ms CLAYDON (Newcastle—Deputy Speaker) (19:04): I rise to speak on this motion put forward by my friend and colleague, the member for Moreton, this evening. Excitement for Brisbane 2032 is certainly high after the amazing efforts of our sensational Olympians at Paris 2024. In total, over 460 Australian athletes competed for medals in 329 events. Our Olympians gave it their all in Paris and went on to win 53 medals—18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze—making Paris our most successful games to date.
I would like to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic efforts of team Newcastle at the Paris games. I want to extend a massive congratulations to Newcastle's Jess Hull, who claimed silver in an incredible run in the women's 1,500 metres. She became the first Australian woman to win an Olympic medal at a distance further than 800 metres. Nathan Power, a product of the Hunter Hurricanes water polo team, co-captained the Aussie Sharks, steering the side to the quarterfinals before a loss to the United States sent the Sharks to the classification rounds. The Hockeyroos, with the assistance of South Newcastle striker Mariah Williams, and the Kookaburras, with the help of North Newcastle teammates Matt Dawson and Ky Willott, made it through to the quarterfinals in the women's and men's hockey. Newcastle surfer Tyler Wright's campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a strong debut in her opening rounds. Former Newcastle Jet, Emily van Egmond, and the former Adamstown Rosebud, Clare Wheeler, both featured in the Matildas campaign for gold in the women's football. Local track superstar Rose Davies gave it her all in the women's 5,000 metres and became the first Australian woman to run the distance in under 15 minutes. Reigning women's pentathlon Oceania champion, Newcastle's Genevieve van Rensburg, made her Olympic debut at Paris in the modern pentathlon. Last, but certainly not least, Wallsend's Jacqueline Nichele made her Olympic debut in the 71 kilogram women's weightlifting category.
I know I speak on behalf of all Novocastrians when I say we are so proud of you all. You have represented Newcastle and Australia brilliantly, and you can continue to inspire the next generation of local sports men and women. While we celebrate the success and achievements of Olympians, I'd like to remind you the race is only halfway through, with the Paralympic team set to make their debut in Paris at the Paralympics next week. I'd like to give a special shout-out to local superstar Lauren Parker, who will compete at the games for the second time, in the para-triathlon.
Sport plays such an important role in our community, whether it's at the local, regional, state, national or global level. The success of 'team Newcastle' and 'team Australia' at the Paris games has made the excitement ahead of and the anticipation of Brisbane 2032 that much more palpable. For countless kids and young people out there today on fields, on courts, on arenas, on pitches and in the pools, the games are the pinnacle of success. The lead-up to Brisbane 2032 will be used as a platform to boost and inspire more community participation and to promote an inclusive environment where women and girls and Australians of all abilities feel welcome.
Over the next eight years we have the opportunity to maximise the benefits of hosting the games. We will support athletes to achieve greater sporting success through a high-performance system focused on achieving enduring podium success. The Australian government is committing up to $3.4 billion dollars towards the Brisbane Olympic Games, which is set to generate billions of dollars in social and economic benefits for not just Brisbane but our entire nation.
Australia is a country which loves sport, and it runs deep in our veins. We know that hosting the Olympic Games in Australia has profoundly positive impacts on the development of local sports and athletes, leaving a legacy that extends well beyond the games. Bring on Brisbane 2032!
