Premier Jeremy Rockliff throws support behind Matildas, but declines public holiday

Even the Premier’s own kids are not so stoked with their old man’s decision to say no to a public holiday if the Matildas take out the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

Australia win after a very tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter final between Australia and France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he’s all for the Matildas taking out the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, but when it comes to a victory public holiday – he’s pulling a red card.

The Premier said while he backed the Australian women’s team “100 per cent”, he couldn’t justify a public holiday if they won.

The decision has caused such controvery that even the Premier’s own daughters texted the man at the helm with a declarative “WTF”.

“DAD WTF,” one daughter wrote.

Ruby Rockliff added in caps: “NO DAD WE NEED ANOTHER HOLIDAY.”

In jest, the Premier posted the text exchange to Facebook, saying “safe to say I’m not the most popular member of the Rockliff family this morning”.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Rockliff said: “We’re backing them to win, but we won’t support a public holiday should they score the World Cup victory they so richly deserve.

“As the only Liberal Premier remaining, I will stand up for small business who would carry the cost of a public holiday.

“I will be the first to cheer on the Matildas along with every Tasmanian on Wednesday night.

But our small businesses should not have to lose trading, lose income and carry the cost of a public holiday.

“Our small businesses are the first to sponsor and support our grassroots and elite sports, and it’s too much to expect them to shoulder this cost too.

“We are also mindful of the disruption a public holiday would have at short notice on schools and families.”

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Michael Bailey, said the business community shouldn’t be expected to “pay for the hangover and lose millions of dollars for a public holiday”.

Labor spokesman Shane Broad argued there should be a public holiday, saying the Matildas winning the World Cup would be “one of the biggest sporting achievements in Australian history”.

“I think people deserve to celebrate. So I suppose to misuse the words of Bob Hawke any premier that doesn’t grant a public holiday when the Matilda’s win is a bum,” Mr Broad said.

“All Australians will be celebrating for at least a day and I’m sure in the days following Australians will loosen their purse strings and spend money in the community. Small businesses will definitely make up for it in the weeks to come.”

The Premier’s announcement comes as three sites across Tasmania will host premium viewing experiences for the upcoming Matildas semi-final game against England on Wednesday night, where all the nailbiting action will be aired on the big screen.

Archie Bolton 7 with brother Ewan Bolton 10. Livescreen on parliament lawns Hobart for Matilda's World Cup quarter final against France. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The hotly-anticipated showdown will be beamed to big screens at Hobart’s Princes Wharf No. 1 forecourt, Launceston’s UTAS stadium and Devonport’s Market Square from 7pm on Wednesday, with the state government throwing their support behind soccer loves across the state.

Nic Street, Minister for Sport and Recreation said he encouraged fans to grab a prime spot from 6pm.

“The live sites will begin streaming at 7pm so come and get your spot from 6pm. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm so I encourage fans to head along and get behind our Matildas as they look to make it through to the World Cup final,” he said.

“What the Matildas are doing to grow the game and inspire the next generation is incredible and it has never been a more exciting time for Australian sport.”

The UTAS screening in Launceston is a free, ticketed event, held on Level 2 of the Function Centre at UTAS Stadium, with doors open from 6pm. RSVP’S for the Launceston screening is essential. Tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite.

Originally published as Premier Jeremy Rockliff throws support behind Matildas, but declines public holiday