Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has slammed a proposed public holiday if Australia's Matildas win the World Cup, saying a better investment would be to improve sports facilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sports infrastructure would get a multimillion-dollar boost if the Liberal-National coalition wins the next election
Mr Dutton announced $250 million in funding over four years would be allocated for community sporting grounds across Australia.
He said this would "capitalise on the national attention female sports are receiving" and boost female participation in sport.
State and territory leaders are expected to discuss a proposed national holiday with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when national cabinet meets on Wednesday.
The Matildas booked a spot in the semi-finals after a nailbiting penalty shootout with France, setting up a showdown with England on Wednesday.
Should the hosts advance to the final and win, Mr Albanese flagged the possibility of workers enjoying a day off in recognition of the victory.
"We'll have a discussion if they win the final - I hope they do, and the whole of Australia hopes they do," he said on Tuesday.
"This is a phenomenon, it is something that's beyond sport."
Mr Dutton criticised the proposed public holiday to celebrate Australia's success at the World Cup as an "ego trip" for the prime minister.
He said a snap holiday would potentially cost the economy $2 billion and have no "legacy impact".
Instead, the proposed coalition funding would benefit young girls and boys who faced poor change-room facilities and substandard sports infrastructure.
"We are committed to this (facilities fund) proposal whether the Matildas win or lose the World Cup, and we will be proud of them whether they win or fall short," Mr Dutton said in a statement.
"We must harness this goodwill to build the sporting infrastructure that our young athletes need."
But Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the coalition did not have a great record on sports funding, having been the "party of sports rorts".
"We are always on the lookout for ways to invest in (women's sport) and back that in," he said.
"The suggestions from the opposition leader, I think he's looking for a fight. (but) we're genuinely looking for solutions when it comes to encouraging women and girls in sport."
NSW Premier Chris Minns has already confirmed he would pursue a public holiday for his state should the Matildas secure the cup.
But Tasmanian Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff opposed the plan and said he did not want small businesses to carry the cost of a public holiday.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas also came out against the plan on Tuesday, given the complexities and estimated $18 million cost to his state.
"I understand the desire for some to celebrate a potential Matildas World Cup victory with a public holiday, but the truth is that would take time to organise and would come at an economic cost," he said in a statement.
"We'd rather make a lasting investment in the growth of women's sport, so this World Cup can leave a strong legacy for our state."
Australian Associated Press
