Labor wishes the Australian netball team the best of luck tonight in the series decider against the Silver Ferns in New Zealand.
The ABC’s decision to reschedule and bring the game to Australians live (AEST) at 4:30pm today is to be applauded. It is rare that Australians get to watch our best netballers live on free to air television – it is a fantastic step forward in women’s sport.
With the series one game apiece, the decider is building as a thriller and it is terrific that many Australians will now be able to share in the excitement of the game with the live broadcast.
The ABC will also replay the match later tonight at 11:40pm.
In New Zealand the broadcast of live netball is a no-brainer for television networks. Big games and test matches can expect up to two thirds of the New Zealand audience share during prime time viewing hours. These massive ratings are testimony to the popularity of live netball tests when produced and promoted well by television networks.
The fact still remains that the live broadcast of women’s sport should not be a last minute decision. The recent Senate inquiry report About time! Women in sport and recreation in Australia recommended that the Government invests up to $9 million over three years to support initiatives to get more top level Australian women’s sport on TV at accessible times.
Australian sport and Australian sport fans are still waiting for a response from the Howard Government to the 18 recommendations in the report.
I again call on the Prime Minister and Minister Kemp to formally respond to the bipartisan report by supporting all of the recommendations so that more Australians can share in the success of our fantastic women’s sporting teams.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334
