States and territories make call on public holiday after Albanese rubber stamps Matildas win World Cup
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese essentially rubber-stamped a public holiday, and now the states have responded.
Momentum is building behind the Matildas’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese effectively rubber stamped a public holiday if the team claimed victory on home soil.
In comments made on Wednesday Mr Albanese all but ensured Australians would get a day off if our women’s soccer team won the international tournament, which starts next month.
Without rejecting the idea, he passed the ball to state and territory leaders, saying it was up to them to designate public holidays.
But, he said, “rest assured … I reckon there will be a race by premiers to declare a public holiday.”
The Matildas’ official Twitter account also put some pressure on the national leaders to celebrate such a significant sporting event.
“We think you’re onto something [Prime Minister],” it tweeted.
“How about calling a public holiday as a celebration of the [World Cup] bringing the most significant sporting event to Australia since Sydney 2000?”
We think you’re onto something @AlboMP How about calling a public holiday as a celebration of the @FIFAWWC bringing the most significant sporting event to Australia since Sydney 2000?#WeAreMatildas 💚💛 https://t.co/APVrbRcIwI
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) June 15, 2023
news.com.au readers had a mixed response on social media to the Prime Minister’s suggestion, but there was obvious excitement to see the Matildas in action.
“I have World Cup month booked out to watch the Matilda’s soar! It’s going to be epic,” one user wrote. “Public holidays all round!”
“It would be epic to see them just make the finals, no doubt about that. To win? Well let’s see how we go first,” another wrote.
“I’m no soccer fan, but I’ll be watching Matildas for sure!”
Some offered their own suggestions for public holidays – including if the Australian men's’ cricket team brings home the Ashes, or if the embattled NSW Blues win the next State of Origin match.
But some were still sceptical we even needed a holiday, saying it would either be too costly, or not necessarily the unifying event all Australians would celebrate.
“Well I’m a huge fan of the Matildas and am really looking forward to the World Cup, but I’m not 100% convinced we need a national public holiday if we win,” someone wrote.
But since Albo chipped the public holiday ball to the state and territory leaders, news.com.au chased them for answers – and some were more keen than others.
The NSW government was the most enthusiastic about a holiday.
“At the risk of putting a jinx, that will certainly be a conversation if or when the Matilda’s win the World Cup,” a spokeswoman for Premier Chris Minns’ government said.
“Until then what’s important is that the entire NSW community gets behind and supports these incredible athletes’ World Cup campaign.”
The Victorian government was similarly superstitious, saying it would not count its soccer-playing chickens before they hatch.
“We’re not going to call anything too soon, but Melbourne is the home of the Matildas and we know every Victorian is backing them in the World Cup,” a government spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Western Australian government said a holiday was “unlikely” even if their local superstar, Matildas captain Sam Kerr, hoisted the World Cup at the end of the tournament.
“I know every Western Australian will be cheering on our very own Sam Kerr throughout the entire World Cup,” he said.
“And while a public holiday isn’t likely – if Sam leads the Matildas to victory in the final, I’m sure workplaces across the state will show a little leeway for any hoarse voices the morning after the match.”
Honestly, that might just be enough for us.
Neither Queensland, Tasmania, nor South Australia responded to news.com.au’s requests for comment.
But the territories were more than happy to tag along if the rest of the country wanted to celebrate.
An ACT government spokeswoman said the territory would consider a public holiday “if there was a consensus across the states and territories for a national holiday”.
And Northern Territory Minister Paul Kirby said that while there were “no guarantees in sport” it would be “fantastic to celebrate as a territory and a nation” the Matildas’ success.
“Territorians and Aussies love our sport, and what a special time to host not only a World Cup event, but one where the Matildas are a genuine chance to come home with some silverware,” he said.
The Matildas are among the favourites tipped to take out the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Currently, punters have the Australian women in company with Spain, Germany, the English Lionesses, and four-time winners USA to claim the trophy.
The 10th-ranked Aussie side has never won the trophy, but has progressed to the quarter-finals on three occasions. But the tournament being co-hosted with New Zealand for the first time is expected to give the Matildas an edge over the competition.
Not to mention the white-hot form Tony Gustavsson’s side have found at the right time in the lead-up to the tournament, winning eight of their last nine games – including a famous 2-0 win against England in April, breaking their 30 game winning streak.
The Matildas have drawn in Group B for the tournament alongside Canada, Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland – who they face first on July 20.
Should they finish in the top-two of that group, a side from Group D awaits them in the Round of 16 – likely England or Denmark; and if they win that, and beat their quarterfinals yips, the nature of the draws mean a semi final likely against either top-five-ranked England or Germany,
And if they make it to the final, it’s entirely possible they will meet the reigning champions, from the USA – assuming here are no major upsets against the world number one women’s soccer team.
But that’s still all hypothetical.
So, sure, no pressure Matildas – just the public holiday dreams of a nation riding on your shoulders.
Do you think we’d need a public holiday to celebrate? Are you going to the Women’s World Cup this year? Continue the conversation – georgina.noack@news.con.au.
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