The Premier acknowledges the significant economic benefits of Western Australia's participation in the Rugby World Cup, highlighting the partnership with the Australian Rugby Union and the substantial income injected into the state's economy.

AnsweredQoN 1305Legislative Assembly
Asked
20 November 2003
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

Will the Premier comment on the importance of the Rugby World Cup to Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP

AnswerView source ↗

Western Australia’s participation in the Rugby World Cup has proved to be enormously beneficial for the State. We have an excellent partnership with the Australian Rugby Union, which we want to take further, given the massive interest that exists in Western Australia for that code. Way beyond expectations, 17 000 people visited Western Australia to attend the five games that were played at Subiaco Oval. There was tremendous support and a lot of income; in fact, it is estimated that $36 million was injected into the State’s economy. May I take the opportunity to wish George Gregan and the Australian team all the best? If he is short of a player, I am willing to take up the job in the Australian team. I know that the member for Cockburn wants me to play on the left wing. I do not want to provoke too much reaction from the Opposition on this matter because I might resort to my ultimate tactic of reading a poem. I have got one here. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in this Parliament and Western Australia when I wish the Australian team all the best for Saturday night. We will be barracking for the team.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: Western Australia’s participation in the Rugby World Cup has proved to be enormously beneficial for the State. We have an excellent partnership with the Australian Rugby Union, which we want to take further, given the massive interest that exists in Western Australia for that code. Way beyond expectations, 17 000 people visited Western Australia to attend the five games that were played at Subiaco Oval. There was tremendous support and a lot of income; in fact, it is estimated that $36 million was injected into the State’s economy. May I take the opportunity to wish George Gregan and the Australian team all the best? If he is short of a player, I am willing to take up the job in the Australian team. I know that the member for Cockburn wants me to play on the left wing. I do not want to provoke too much reaction from the Opposition on this matter because I might resort to my ultimate tactic of reading a poem. I have got one here. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in this Parliament and Western Australia when I wish the Australian team all the best for Saturday night. We will be barracking for the team.
Western Australia’s participation in the Rugby World Cup has proved to be enormously beneficial for the State. We have an excellent partnership with the Australian Rugby Union, which we want to take further, given the massive interest that exists in Western Australia for that code. Way beyond expectations, 17 000 people visited Western Australia to attend the five games that were played at Subiaco Oval. There was tremendous support and a lot of income; in fact, it is estimated that $36 million was injected into the State’s economy. May I take the opportunity to wish George Gregan and the Australian team all the best? If he is short of a player, I am willing to take up the job in the Australian team. I know that the member for Cockburn wants me to play on the left wing. I do not want to provoke too much reaction from the Opposition on this matter because I might resort to my ultimate tactic of reading a poem. I have got one here. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in this Parliament and Western Australia when I wish the Australian team all the best for Saturday night. We will be barracking for the team.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more