STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr CALDWELL (Fadden—Opposition Whip) (13:42): I rise today on what is a wonderful day here in Canberra, but it's an even better day in Queensland because we have been extremely successful with our sporting teams. I should give a shout-out to the Brisbane Lions, who won back-to-back premierships. Mr Violi: Boo!

Mr CALDWELL: As for my friend the member for Casey, sadly his Collingwood Magpies were defeated in the prelims. But we went on to win back-to-back premierships—to Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews, coach Chris Fagan and, of course, Will Ashcroft, the Norm Smith medallist on the day. On the weekend, we saw that the Brisbane Broncos are now the NRL champions.

I've been on the Broncos bandwagon since they started back in 1988, and it was a classic decider against another Melbourne team—sorry about that to all my Melbourne friends! The captain is Adam Reynolds, the coach is Michael Maguire and, Gold Coaster born and bred, the Clive Churchill Medal winner is Reece Walsh. But that wasn't enough.

Earlier that day the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team also won their premiership. To coach Scott Prince, captain Ali Brigginshaw and Karen Murphy: congratulations on what you did. Of course, earlier this year, to complete it all, the Queensland men won another State of Origin series.

So Queensland really is the sporting capital of Australia.