Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has slammed a proposed public holiday if the Matildas win the World Cup, saying a better investment would be to improve sports facilities.
Sports infrastructure would get a multi-million dollar boost if the Liberal-National coalition wins the next election
Mr. Dutton announced $250 million in funding over four years would be allocated for community sporting grounds across Australia.
He said this would “capitalise on the national attention female sports are receiving” and boost female participation in sports.
The funding won’t be contingent on state and territory government investment, but the coalition would encourage them to match the Commonwealth, bringing the total to $500 million.
Mr. Dutton criticised a proposed public holiday to celebrate Australia’s success at the World Cup as an “ego trip” for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Matildas booked Australia a spot in the semi-finals after a nailbiting penalty shootout with France, setting up a showdown with England on Wednesday.
Should the hosts advance to the final and win, Mr. Albanese flagged the possibility of workers enjoying a day off in recognition of the victory.
But the opposition leader said a snap holiday would potentially cost the economy $2 billion and would have no “legacy impact”.
Instead, the proposed coalition funding would benefit young girls and boys who face poor change room facilities and substandard sports infrastructure.
“We are committed to this (facilities fund) proposal whether the Matildas win or lose the World Cup, and we will be proud of them whether they win or fall short,” Mr Dutton said in a statement.
“With the recent success of the Matildas, the Diamonds and our Women’s Ashes Team, we are seeing a surge in interest in women’s sport.
“We must harness this goodwill to build the sporting infrastructure that our young athletes need.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was surprised by the “spoilsport” attitude that the coalition had adopted.
“The whole country has gotten behind the Matildas, and if they win the World Cup ... this (holiday) option should definitely be on the table,” he told ABC Radio.
Mr. Albanese intends to discuss a national holiday with state and territory leaders when the national cabinet meets on Wednesday.
“We'll have a discussion if they win the final - I hope they do, and the whole of Australia hopes they do,” he told reporters.
“This is a phenomenon; it is something that’s beyond sport.”
But self-confessed “superstitious” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews preferred not to tempt fate.
“I think we all should focus on not necessarily getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
“I’m sure the Matildas aren’t, I’m sure all their support crew aren’t, and they’ve got a couple of matches to win before we get to that.”
