Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the poor public recognition of Queensland females in football (soccer), especially in the lead up to 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC). Over 18,000 registered female players plus their support staff and families take to the fields every week. Currently four Brisbane based players are representing Queensland at the Olympics, yet they are hardly household names. You can’t be – what you can’t see.

Clare Polkinghorne, a current Matilda, 13 year veteran and long-term captain of W-League Brisbane Roar Football Club currently holds 125 caps for her country – a feat that has not been eclipsed by any other Queensland footballer, male or female, of any code. Clare first represented her country in 2006 and has since won selections in four WWC squads. Dual winner of Julie Dolan Medal (2013, 2018) with three championships and two premierships. A young woman who has taken her sport across the world but is barely known in her own city. A young woman who is a leader and generous role model to young fans.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to establish a statue of our most capped Queenslander, Clare Polkinghorne, at Suncorp Stadium.