The Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) commends Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decisive step of allocating $200 million to the Play Our Way program in support of women’s sports, in the wake of the groundbreaking achievements of the Matildas during the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia.

Embracing one of the most substantial investments in women’s sports, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision follows the historical accomplishments of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. The earmarked $200 million will be channeled through the Play Our Way initiative, aimed at enhancing sporting infrastructure and equipment specifically geared towards the empowerment of women and girls.

The resounding success of the Matildas’ matches marked a defining moment, with their riveting performances captivating a massive audience and culminating in an inspiring semifinal journey on home soil. Prime Minister Albanese underscored the profound transformation ignited by the Matildas’ accomplishments, accentuating its impact on the realm of women’s sports across Australia.

“The Matildas have provided a moment of national inspiration,” highlighted Mr. Albanese, emphasizing the imperative of seizing this momentum to foster a legacy for the forthcoming generations. The commitment reflects the government’s dedication to fostering gender equality and inclusivity in community sports facilities throughout the nation.

As the Matildas gear up for their final match of the tournament, determining their third-place position, Captain Sam Kerr resonated the sentiments of the team’s need for enhanced funding to drive their development. Kerr’s insights emphasized the broader significance of nurturing women’s sports beyond the field, transforming it into a platform for empowerment and transformation.

Highlighting the transformative impact of teams like the Matildas, the Diamonds in netball, and the Wallaroos in rugby, Prime Minister Albanese conveyed the government’s swift actions aimed at ensuring that this transformative momentum resonates across generations, paving the way for gender parity and empowerment in sports.

Sport Minister Anika Wells lauded the $200 million commitment, underlining its significance in rectifying the existing disparities faced by women and girls. The investment’s core objective is to provide dedicated facilities and equipment, breaking away from the conventional practice of borrowing resources from men’s teams.

Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, echoed the collective sentiment of progress, acknowledging the evolving landscape of gender equality in Australia. She underscored the significance of celebrating women’s athleticism and the gradual shift toward a more equitable sports industry.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton recently pledged $250 million for women’s sports if his party wins the upcoming election. This commitment is proposed to be matched by the states, reflecting the collective desire to fortify and nurture women’s sports.

To avoid the controversies that clouded past grant schemes, the government has outlined an approach that involves an expert advisory panel overseeing the allocation of funds. This panel will ensure that resources are directed to where they are most needed and can yield the greatest impact.

The commitment to women’s sports extends to the reform of broadcasting regulations. The government’s proposal aims to ensure that streaming services and broadcasters cannot secure broadcasting rights before free-to-air channels are granted the opportunity. This ensures that Australians can access significant sporting events through free channels.

The broader scope of the “anti-siphoning list” is envisaged to include events in the Paralympic Games, the AFL Women’s Premiership, the NRL Women’s Premiership, and the NRL Women’s State of Origin.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stressed the importance of delivering free and accessible coverage of major events to all Australians, irrespective of their location or financial status.