- Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Minister for Sport
Cities across Australia have received a significant boost after being announced as host venues for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. The major tournament is being held in Australia for the first time and will be co-hosted with New Zealand.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said after a challenging year, this would be a win for communities across Australia, as we recover from a health and economic crisis.
The host cities and venues include:
- Brisbane - Brisbane Stadium
- Sydney - Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
- Melbourne - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
- Adelaide - Hindmarsh Stadium
- Perth - Perth Rectangular Stadium
Minister Payne said hosting the matches in each centre would shine a light on women's sport.
"The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will strengthen our already solid reputations as world leaders in women's sport," Minister Payne said.
"It will be a platform to inspire girls across Australia," she said. "They will learn that with courage, focus and determination, they can reach any goal in sport or in life.
"That's an important message and Australia will be delivering it to the world."
The competition will champion the further development of women's football in both our countries, the Asia-Pacific region and globally, creating a profound and enduring legacy for the women's game, Minister Payne said.
The Australian Government provided $5 million to Football Federation Australia (FFA) over three years from 2016-17 to develop the joint bid "As One" with New Zealand Football.
It will be the largest FIFA Women's World Cup in history, with FIFA expanding it from 24 to 32 teams.
Minister Colbeck said each city and regional centre would reap the benefits as FIFA hosts.
"The benefits of tourism and the injection into local economies should not be understated," Minister Colbeck said.
"We have already witnessed the capacity of both nations to host world-class sporting events and this will now showcase Australia's regional centres like never before.
"Witnessing the world's best female footballers play and train in local regions is also likely to result in a significant surge in interest in local competition and that is something to celebrate."
Minister Colbeck said the Federal Government's support for the event aligns with both health and sports initiatives under the national sport plan - Sport 2030 - to inspire girls and women to participate in sport and increase their physical activity.
Sport 2030 has a key focus on improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport.
"Hosting the Women's World Cup will showcase improving attitudes towards gender equality in sport and strengthen Australia's reputation as a world leader in promoting women's sport and as a premier host of major international sporting events."
The past two years have seen landmark achievements in Australia for women in sport, including football, with improved pay and conditions and record crowds turning out to support our female athletes.
