The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has proposed a special one-off public holiday for all Australians if the Matildas win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Matildas have been on a historic run and have reached the furthest point in a World Cup tournament of any previous Australian team. The Quarter Final broke Australian television viewership records and was the most watched TV event in Australia since Cathy Freeman’s 400m Gold Medal run in Sydney 23 years ago (source:news.com.au).
Mr Albanese has encountered some resistance to his idea, with industry groups arguing there could be a huge economic burden as a result of the unplanned public holiday.
Australian state and territory leaders are due to discuss the public holiday at National Cabinet on August 16th.
The Women’s World Cup final will be held in Sydney on Sunday, August 20. If approved, it is anticipated the public holiday would be observed on Monday, 21 August 2023.
The Matildas face England in the semi final on Wednesday 16 August in what should be a tough challenge. England is currently favoured to win that game but every Australian knows that we love being the underdog. Go Matildas!