Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (09:51):

I am pleased to acknowledge to the house the marvellous achievements of our Australians at the Paris Olympics, bringing home a total of 18 gold medals, 13 won by female athletes. It is our best Olympics by number of gold medals and is an outstanding result for our athletes on the world stage.

I particularly want to pay tribute to Werribee athletes Amy Cashin, Bailey Lewis, Anastasia Kusmawan, Marissa Williamson Pohlman and Thomas Hodges. Amy competed in her second Olympics in the 3000-metre steeplechase event and should be proud of improving her overall result. Bailey debuted in taekwondo in the men’s 58-kilogram event and reached the quarterfinal round, an amazing result. Anastasia was part of Australia’s artistic swimming team and said it is the ‘perfect combination’ of her favourite sports of swimming and gymnastics. Marissa we claim as a local as she attended Manor Lakes College for part of her educational years. Marissa was on the cusp of an AFLW career but switched to boxing and competed in the women’s 66-kilogram event. Thomas is a former student at Heathdale Christian College and is part of the men’s beach volleyball team, winning one of their group games against the host nation at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

Our athletes have demonstrated such determination and resilience, and I know I join with all Australians in congratulating them.