Womens sport in Australia will get $200 million in funding after the captivating success of the Matildas in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement after record-breaking support for the side united the nation ahead of their third place match in Brisbane tonight.
“The Women’s World Cup has changed sport in Australia forever and it’s also helped to change the country forever,” Albanese said.
“This program that we’re announcing today will ensure that not only can young girls growing up see it, they can be it,” he said.
The announcement includes the establishment of a panel including a former Matilda, Australian basketballer Lauren Jackson and Australian netballer Liz Ellis.
Albanese said they would also be taking steps to ensure that an appropriate number of Australian sporting events are shown on free-to-air by releasing a protocols paper.
He said he expected to see an explosion in participation in women’s sport.
Read Related Also: The Morning Briefing: The Hot Mess GOP Primary Debate Season Is Under Way
“That is why this $200 million will make a difference not just recognise that this has been a moment of national inspiration but to seize the opportunity for the next generation coming up to be able to fulfill the dreams that are being felt right around our nation.
“It is about learning from women as well with real-world experience navigating community sport right up to the professional level to make sure that we get this right.”
The announcement comes after calls from football figures including Matildas captain Sam Kerr for the government to invest in grassroots football and women’s sport.
The prime minister didn’t specify for what sport exactly what the funds would be used on, but it was on top of existing funding “to improve facilities”.
