As Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all athletes, coaches and administrators who represented Australia at the Rio Olympics.

I would especially like to thank those that came from Tasmania.

It’s my view that all we can ask of our representatives is that the perform to the best of their ability. Medal results are obviously great, but it really is about giving your best.

My hope is that the Olympics encourages all Australians to either start or increase their current participation in sports.

Children often want to emulate their heroes, and this is a good thing if it leads to an increase in their participation.

In turn, an increase in participation should not only lead to better performances, but it should also improve the health of those participating.  

I also wish all our representatives at the Paralympics all the best.

THERE are 53 current members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

It is no longer the British Commonwealth of Nations or the British Empire, It is an international body of equal nations.

Times have changed and we move on.

Of these 53 member nations, 44 have removed the Union Jack from their flags.

These countries rallied around their national flags at Rio in moments of hard won sporting success or just the joy of participation with the same pride as all other countries.

Try telling a Canadian medalist for example that their success was any less meritorious.

Once again, times have changed we have moved on. By the way I for one am not a cliched would be republican anymore than others are would be monarchists.

I am a republican.