Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Federal Minister for Sport, Senator George Brandis today congratulated former AIS athletes and Australian Test Cricket greats Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne on being recognised by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.  

Senator Brandis lauded the feats of the two former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship heroes. 

“These two great players epitomise excellence in their chosen sport and their success and dedication to the game will live long in the minds of Australians,” Senator Brandis said.

Golfing great Greg Norman was also elevated to legend status in the Hall of Fame, acknowledging his singular contribution to the game in Australia and around the world. 

“When you think of Australian golf you immediately think of Greg Norman, and it was fitting to see him duly rewarded,” Senator Brandis said. 

Also recognised for their contribution to, and achievements in, sport were Hall of Fame inductees Steve Waugh, Louise Sauvage, Petria Thomas, Mike McKay, Steven Bradbury, Tony Charlton and Professor John Bloomfield.

Senator Brandis reserved special praise for Professor Bloomfield and Petria Thomas, both of whom are synonymous with Australian Institute of Sport. 

“John Bloomfield was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport and was its original Deputy Chairman. Now, almost 27 years later, the Institute has grown to become a world-leading centre of excellence for the development of high performance sport.”

“Petria Thomas exemplifies the commitment, dedication and resilience of our top level athletes. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting reward for her estimated 40,000 kilometres of training in the AIS pool, the cold Canberra mornings and the painful injuries that have been overcome in her climb to success.

“In March next year, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame will finally have a home in the fully refurbished Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Australian Government has provided $25 million to ensure this home truly reflects the calibre of the men and women who have been inducted into it since 1985.

 “I congratulate all people recognised by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and thank the Hall of Fame itself for its efforts to recognise and celebrate excellence in Australian sport.”

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

12 October 2007