Mr GUNNER - 2008-09-17
It is always great to hear of new initiatives to bring the Territory closer to our Asian neighbours. Can the minister please advise the House of arrangements for the inaugural Timor Sea Cup and the excitement unfolding at Larrakia Park today?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Today is a very exciting day, because today will be the kick-off of the inaugural Timor Sea Cup at the soccer stadium at Larrakia Park. I recall the Leader of the Opposition urging the government many times to work closely with our neighbours, and this is exactly what we have done. We found that the best way to bring people together is through sport.
The Territory has always had very good relations with Timor-Leste and West Timor, but there was trouble between the two provinces. We thought the best way to resolve some of the issues is to bring teams from those two provinces to Darwin to play against our Under 18 team. Thirty-six young men have arrived from Timor-Leste and West Timor. They will be playing every day for the next three days, with the grand final to be held on Saturday, 20 September. I am very pleased, as the ex-minister for Sport, and the current Minister for Asian Relations, to be able to organise this tournament by putting $150 000 towards their travel and the preparations.
We want to strengthen the relationship between our neighbours. We also want to have the relationship between the two neighbours strengthened, because the reality of the troubles in Timor is that most of these people will finish as refugees on our coastline. The other thing is, it not only strengthens the relationship, it also strengthens our trade links with both Timor-Leste and West Timor.
I urge you, if you have the time, go and see the young boys. I had the pleasure of meeting them this afternoon. I kicked a few balls around the oval, which looks fantastic. As I said, the grand final will be this Saturday starting 5 pm and I would to see you all there.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Today is a very exciting day, because today will be the kick-off of the inaugural Timor Sea Cup at the soccer stadium at Larrakia Park. I recall the Leader of the Opposition urging the government many times to work closely with our neighbours, and this is exactly what we have done. We found that the best way to bring people together is through sport.
The Territory has always had very good relations with Timor-Leste and West Timor, but there was trouble between the two provinces. We thought the best way to resolve some of the issues is to bring teams from those two provinces to Darwin to play against our Under 18 team. Thirty-six young men have arrived from Timor-Leste and West Timor. They will be playing every day for the next three days, with the grand final to be held on Saturday, 20 September. I am very pleased, as the ex-minister for Sport, and the current Minister for Asian Relations, to be able to organise this tournament by putting $150 000 towards their travel and the preparations.
We want to strengthen the relationship between our neighbours. We also want to have the relationship between the two neighbours strengthened, because the reality of the troubles in Timor is that most of these people will finish as refugees on our coastline. The other thing is, it not only strengthens the relationship, it also strengthens our trade links with both Timor-Leste and West Timor.
I urge you, if you have the time, go and see the young boys. I had the pleasure of meeting them this afternoon. I kicked a few balls around the oval, which looks fantastic. As I said, the grand final will be this Saturday starting 5 pm and I would to see you all there.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016