Doorstop interview: Invictus Games, Wentworth

SHADOW MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, AMANDA RISHWORTH MP: I would just like to start by congratulating the Australian Sailing Team at Invictus Games of winning a gold medal. On the weekend I had the opportunity to be part of the Invictus movement and I tell you this is a fabulous event going on. One that is critically important in ensuring we shine a light on increasing awareness of the impact that service can have on men and women and about those celebrating the grit, determination and the passion that these individuals have had; that have been wounded, injured or ill as a result of their service but how they set their goals and the healing power of sport in terms of how they get them back on a path towards recovery. I would like to congratulate all those competitors that are going to compete. But, importantly on the weekend we heard a focus on the importance of family and friends that support our Invictus team and a big shout out to all those friends and family that have gone along to support our athletes over the next week and of course those friends and family that provide support and care to those veterans every day of the year- it is an important recognition that we recognise those friends and family.

 

I would note with some disappointment that in Scott Morrison’s concession speech he did liken the Liberal spirit to that of the spirit in Invictus Games and I think that was deeply, deeply inappropriate.

 

When it comes to Wentworth, the voters have sent a clear message; they are over this government’s division and chaos. They are over this government’s instability but most of all they’re over this government’s agenda that has not changed with a different Prime Minister. No action on climate change, no action on reversing the cuts to schools and hospitals. What we have is more of the same with a Prime Minister that has been unable to explain why the Prime Minister has changed. Instead, we have got a Labor Party that is focused on the future, focused on getting on with the job but most importantly focused on listening to the Australian people.