Navigating the mix of women’s sport and men’s politics

In the dynamic realm where sports and politics intertwine, lines blur and controversies emerge, often casting shadows on the playing field. A recent discussion surrounding the intersection of sports and national pride sparked as The Daily Aus website posed a seemingly innocuous question to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese back in June: Would there be a national holiday if the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team, clinched the World Cup victory?

This is in the context of the 2022 men’s football World Cup, when Prime Minister hinted at considering a public holiday if the Socceroos emerged victorious on the global stage and the question of parity was brought to the forefront: would the same celebratory standard apply for the Matildas? The response, eloquently ambiguous yet laden with possibility, emerged from the Albanese: “It’s up to each state and territory, but rest assured, should the Matildas win the World Cup on home soil, I reckon there will be a race by premiers to declare a public holiday.”

While Albanese’s statement offered support, it was not a solemn pledge. Nonetheless, it ignited a cascade of discourse that swept through political chambers and media waves. Addressing the issue in a recent interview with the ABC, Albanese upheld his initial stance, advocating for state and territory leaders to consider the gesture. His words, carried by the winds of enthusiasm, found resonance across various quarters, fostering the belief that this event transcended mere sport – it was an inspiration, a unifying force, according to Albanese.

Yet, herein lies the inherent complexity. Albanese’s words weren’t an ironclad commitment; a public holiday, or no public holiday – but who really cares? The Matildas’ journey throughout the tournament became entangled in a web of expectations and interpretations, with media narratives morphing reality. Albanese, despite never explicitly promising a public holiday, was cast as a protagonist in a drama of unmet expectations.

Enter the political stage’s contrasting players. Peter Dutton, known for his skepticism toward everything the federal government proposes, dismissed the idea as a mere “stunt” and Albanese’s “ego trip”.

The subsequent National Cabinet meeting faced the proposal, only to decide against enacting a public holiday in the event of the Matildas’ victory. This decision served as fodder for conservative media outlets, who wielded the narrative of a “backflip” by Albanese, thus igniting flames of political spectacle.

In the grand tapestry of events, the public holiday issue now stands as a moot point, irrelevant due to the Matildas’ exit from the World Cup. However, this saga illustrates a recurring pattern: the amplification of loose words of Labor leaders into potent narratives, fueled by the alchemy of conservative media and politics. The convergence of ideology and sport perpetuates a discourse that transcends the realm of play, fueling a debate that, in hindsight, appears moot.

The Matildas, their journey studded with triumphs and heartaches, succeeded in rallying a nation, revealing that within their sporting feats lies a deeper resonance. Yet, the course of political discourse, as exemplified by this saga, remains ensnared in divisive debates that may not reflect the multifaceted inspiration of the game itself. In this realm of blurred lines, the question lingers: Can we not, for a moment, let the game be the game, and celebrate it for the unity it momentarily fosters?

Beyond the game: A wider lens on women’s sporting triumphs

As the echoes of the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup journey fade, lingering questions persist about the role of sports in shaping the narrative of national identity. Amidst the debates, one central theme emerges: the notion that perhaps we should be embracing more public holidays, using them as moments to honour and celebrate various facets of our society, including the achievements of women in sports.

While it might seem like a frivolous notion – to hold public holidays for national achievements by sporting teams – this discussion should be held in the context of a push for a four-day workweek and better work–life balance, as emphasised by Treasurer Jim Chalmers in the recent wellbeing budget.

Otherwise, what is all this work being produced for? To provide record $10.2 billion profits for Commonwealth Bank and its shareholders? Or a $1.1 billion profit for Coles during a cost-of-living crisis? This is the critical issue that needs to be addressed.

However, the broader stage of politics and media complicates even such seemingly straightforward proposals. Within the narrative, the political rivalry finds its voice. The narrative paints a stark contrast between Albanese and Dutton, a name synonymous with criticism towards the opposition. Dutton’s alternative announcement of a $250 million fund for community sports infrastructure – in the unlikely event that he is elected as Prime Minister – draws curious parallels to the infamous “sportsrorts” controversy orchestrated by Senator Bridget McKenzie. While Dutton’s proposal, on the surface, might signify an investment in community wellbeing, it lacks a mention of specific funding for women’s sports, a detail that doesn’t escape scrutiny.

The intricate dance between political messaging and media amplification is equally notable. The media’s tendency to seize upon even the most trivial aspects of political discourse is laid bare. The spectacle of politics often drowns out substance, the focus shifting from the issue at hand to the fervour of the political sparring. This phenomenon, coupled with the media’s propensity to sensationalise narratives, undermines the public discourse’s integrity.

While the Matildas’ campaign didn’t culminate in World Cup victory, it illuminated the successes of women in a sport predominantly dominated by men. The intersection of gender and sport brings to the forefront societal dynamics that extend beyond the pitch. The recent triumph of the Australian netball team in the Netball World Cup showcased the players’ determination to align their sport with their values by rejecting a controversial $15 million sponsorship from Hancock Corporation, previously headed by Lang Hancock, who suggested in 1984 that Indigenous people should be sterilised and have their waterholes poisoned, to resolve the “Aboriginal problem” in Australia.

The question of acknowledging these achievements through public holidays taps into a larger dialogue about cultural shifts and societal transformation. As such, a significant stride towards recognising the accomplishments of women in sports would resonate far beyond the field.

Yet, even in this pursuit of celebration, the political currents weave through. The game of politics, as we’ve witnessed, can often overshadow the essence of the events it touches. The ideological polarisation and the propensity to frame narratives along political lines serve to fracture the unity that these accomplishments seek to embody.

As the societal spotlight narrows in on such triumphs, it remains imperative to navigate the fine line between acknowledging achievements and submerging them in a sea of political agendas. The journey of women’s sports in Australia, be it football, netball or any other sport, symbolises a broader transition toward inclusivity and equality. It’s a journey marked by victories, both on and off the field, and it deserves a narrative that transcends the ever-shifting tides of partisan discourse.