A three-day Indigenous cricket carnival organised by the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) and the Northern Territory Cricket Association for this weekend is a positive initiative to involve more Indigenous Australians in cricket.
“The Imparja Cup, an all-Indigenous competition involving teams from all States, demonstrates the Australian Cricket Board’s commitment to Indigenous sport,” the Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Lundy, said today.
“I welcome this ongoing investment by the ACB into Indigenous cricket and congratulate them and the Northern Territory Cricket Association for bringing together competitors from around the country.
“Aboriginal and Islander people have faced innumerable barriers and obstacles in sport and there remains an appalling lack of sporting and recreational infrastructure in rural and remote communities.
I have previously called on the Howard Government to earmark more money for Indigenous sport in light of the Government’s claims that they have allocated “the highest amount ever provided” to sport.
“In this context, Labor welcomes the initiatives being undertaken by the Australian Cricket Board and urges the Coalition to provide increased funding and opportunities for Aboriginal and Islander people to participate in cricket, and indeed all sports,” Senator Lundy said.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
