Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Aussie golden girls win relay

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Kate Lundy, Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

    Senator Jan Mclucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers

Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today congratulated the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team on winning gold at the London Paralympics.

Australian swimmers Jacqui Freney, Maddi Elliot, Ellie Cole, and Katherine Downie powered off the blocks to snatch gold – clocking a new world record time of 4:20.39.

From lane seven the Aussies finished in first place more than 4 seconds ahead of the United States and Great Britain.

The four swimmers did Australia proud in the pool and delivered strong individual performances to chase down the world record and add to our gold medal haul.

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 (NDIS) to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

The Australian Government has also 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.