Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Our Paralympic heroes are the pride of Australia

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Wayne Swan MP
    Acting Prime Minister
    Treasurer

    Senator The Hon Kate Lundy
    Minister for Sport

    Senator The Hon Jan Mclucas
    Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers

Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan, Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today warmly welcomed home Australia’s 2012 Paralympic team at Sydney Airport.

Australia’s 161-strong team excelled on the Paralympic stage, finishing fourth in the gold medal count and fifth from 166 countries on the overall medal table collecting 32 gold, 23 silver and 30 bronze.

Our Paralympians proved that they can match it with the best at the Games, smashing an impressive 24 world and Paralympic records to boost Australia’s medal haul and continue the golden streak.

Over the past weeks the nation has been awestruck by the incredible performances and sporting prowess of our Paralympic champions.

The remarkable sporting achievements we’ve witnessed show our Paralympians are among the world’s top athletes.

The Gillard Government is working towards a future where all Australian children and adults with disability lead lives of dignity and opportunity.

We are providing $1 billion to deliver the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

The Gillard Government provided strong funding to support our Paralympic Team, committing over $13.7 million in 2011-12 for the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and $2.7 million in Direct Athlete Support (DAS) to help Australia’s Paralympic athletes reach their potential.