THE HON BILL SHORTEN MP

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURALISM

MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

 

The Federal Opposition congratulates Sydney Swans player Adam Goodes on being named the 2014 Australian of the Year.

 

Goodesy is a truly remarkable Australian whether he's running on for the Swans or working at the Go Foundation, which he helped establish with Michael O'Loughlin, to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models.

 

His formidable presence and an almost unparalleled skill on the field is matched only by his passion and determination off the field to help young people and fight the scourge of racism.

 

He is a tremendous role model for young Australians - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous - and his award today is recognition of the hugely positive contribution he has made to our nation.

 

We also recognise and congratulate Fred Chaney AO for being named Senior Australian of the Year, Paralympic champion Jacqueline Freney for being named Young Australian of the Year and Tim Conolan for being named Australia's 2014 Local Hero.

Fred Chaney AO has a long history of public service and a strong belief in the inherent equality of all people. Mr Chaney is an inspiration to others, working to overcome the barriers that can impact on the ability of seniors to fully participate in Australian society.

 

Jacqueline Freney became Australia’s most successful Paralympian at a single event when she won eight gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Ms Freney's most inspiring endeavour occurs out of the pool where she works with Swimming Australia as a motivational speaker to support people with disability reach their full potential.

 

Tim Conolan is the deserved winner of the 2014 Local Hero award for his truly awesome work with sick children and their families.  Mr Conolan established the charity TLC for Kids to make a difference to children in hospital undergoing treatment.  TLC for Kids has now helped more than four million children and their families.

 

These exceptional men and women epitomise what it means to be Australian and their awards tonight are very well deserved.

 

SATURDAY, 25 JANUARY 2014

 

MEDIA CONTACT: RYAN LIDDELL 0427 225 763