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Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Media Releases
2010 | 2009 | 200825 Feb 2010 - Australia's Best Winter OIympics Ever
THE HON KATE ELLIS MP
MINISTER FOR SPORT
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Australia's best Winter Olympics ever
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated 28 year old Lydia Lassila on her gold medal winning performance at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
"Lydia Lassila exemplifies the fighting spirit that we as Australians are so proud of.
"Injury after injury Lydia has got back up and fought on - today reaching her dream of Olympic gold."
Lydia started her sporting career as a gymnast. She had aimed to represent Australia in gymnastics at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, but was forced to retire from the sport at the age of 16 due to injury.
Lydia switched sports, making the successful transition to aerial skiing through a national talent identification program.
"Lydia's gold medal in the women's aerial skiing means that Australia has had its most successful Winter Olympics ever," Ms Ellis said.
It's been a magical Winter Olympics for Australia. Freestyle skier Dale Begg-Smith took out his second Olympic medal with silver in the men's moguls, then Torah Bright won gold for Australia.
"Our Vancouver champions join the ranks of Australia's previous Winter Olympic medallists Alisa Camplin, Steven Bradbury, Zali Steggall and the 5000m short track relay team. It is esteemed company," Ms Ellis said.
Australia scored two gold medals at Salt Lake in 2002, and a gold and a bronze at the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006. With three medals at Vancouver - including two gold - Vancouver is now the peak of Australian Winter Olympic history.
"Each and every member of the Australian team can be proud of the sporting history they've made. All of us back here in Australia are very proud of you."
All three women who made it into today's aerial skiing finals have been supported by the Australian Institute of Sport.
Lydia Lassila and Liz Gardiner have each held scholarships for a decade, while four-time Winter Olympian Jacqui Cooper has been an AIS scholar for 15 years.
"Today we also thank all the coaches and support staff who have worked so hard over many years to help these women reach their sporting dreams."
Press Secretary: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@deewr.gov.au