Mr  J. BULL (Sunbury) — (12 392) Deputy Speaker, I do not think I have had the opportunity to say congratulations on your election. I am sure you will do an outstanding job.

My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Sport, and the action that I am seeking is for the minister to provide local sporting clubs in the Sunbury electorate with an update on how they can increase female participation and specifically advise in writing what grants are available to assist more women to participate in local sport and take on leadership roles.

Today is a very special day, being International Women’s Day. The Andrews Labor government respects and values all women, not just in words but in real action. We have delivered Victoria’s first gender equality strategy; established Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence, implementing 227 of its recommendations; launched the 10-year family violence action plan; made a commitment to appoint women to 50 per cent of all new paid public board and judicial positions; implemented Respectful Relationships in Victorian schools; are building the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital; established safe access zones; committed additional resources to support more women across a whole range of sectors; appointed the first female Victorian police minister; are supporting more women and girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers; launched the Rural Women’s Award; and re-established the Rural Women’s Network.

The government has made a whole range of announcements, and particularly about the inquiry into women and girls in sport and active recreation, something that I know the member for Eltham has been particularly passionate about, as well as about sports infrastructure — boosting local facilities for women. These are very important announcements. They are real changes that will help women in our community and bridge the gap between men and women.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the committee from East Sunbury Sporting Group a few weeks ago, and I know how important women’s sport is for this club and so many clubs like it in the community. I want to congratulate the outstanding women in my community and in particular all of those who participate in and help facilitate local sport. Once again, I ask the minister to provide an update and some information on how we can increase female participation in local sport.