On Monday 28 November, Minerva Network co-founders Christine McLoughlin AM and Romilly Madew AO were excited to attend the launch of the inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Women in Sport group at Parliament House in Canberra.
The group is co-chaired by Zali Steggall MP, Joanne Ryan MP and Senator Bridget McKenzie, and the Minerva Network is proud to have played a supporting role in its establishment.
The launch event was well attended, demonstrating the strong support for women’s sport, with Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, joining the co-chairs in expressing her excitement for the initiative. Other attendees included included Lauren Jackson AO OLY, Kieren Perkins OAM, Alison Creagh AM, Jane Fernandez, Eugenie Buckley, Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon Milton Dick MP, Minerva Athletes Sami Kennedy-Sim OLY and Susannah Cooke and a large number of Senators and MPs from all sides of Parliament.
Minerva Network Chairman and Co-Founder, Christine McLoughlin, who also spoke at the event, said it was a milestone day for women’s sport, with the event attracting a record attendance, demonstrating the extraordinary support for women in sport from all who participated.
“Australia’s sporting codes have long been recognised by the Parliament for their contribution to our nation but this is the first time we’ve had a Parliamentary Friendship group dedicated to supporting and promoting women’s sport,” she added.
“With over 40 members in the group, it’s fantastic to witness the extensive support and recognition for women’s sport that exists amongst parliamentarians across all sides of politics.”
“Women’s sport has grown exponentially in recent years and, with the continued support of this group, the future is exciting.”
With Zali Steggall as co-chair and the support of the likes of Dr Sophie Scamps MP and Senator Anne Ruston, Christine said it is encouraging to see former athletes becoming increasingly involved in Parliament and supporting an initiative they are well connected to.
"All sportspeople hold valuable skills that will help them flourish in their careers out of the pool, off the field, or away from the ski fields and it is clear the experiences they had in their professional sports careers are helping them navigate their political careers.”
“Harnessing these skills is what the Minerva Network is all about. We know professional athletes are exceptional role models and future leaders of Australia but elite sportswomen, in particular, are an underutilised resource for business and the broader community.”
“Much like the welcomed push we’re seeing for women to be better represented in politics, the Minerva Network believes that empowering women athletes and enabling them to achieve their potential on and off the field will provide a range of broader community benefits for boys and girls of all ages.”
“Following the growth in women’s sport, we are now seeing an increasing number of successful athletes make the jump into life after professional sport. This can be a challenging time, but it’s also a time of huge opportunity – with the right support, they can springboard into an impactful and meaningful career and that’s what the Minerva Network and Minerva Alumni program aim to help with.”
The Parliamentary Friends of Women in Sport launch event was the first step in the creation of a non-partisan forum for both MPs and Senators to meet and interact on all matters relating to women in sport. The group will meet regularly throughout the term of the 47th Parliament and create opportunities for Minerva athletes to share their experiences while learning from business leaders, fellow sportswomen and MPs and Senators.
The Minerva Network looks forward to continuing to work closely with the co-chairs to support and promote women in sport.
