Minister for Sport Mark Arbib visited the Queensland Firebirds to congratulate them on their historic win in the ANZ Championships netball final on Sunday.

Senator Arbib said the Firebirds’ had set the new standard in the trans-Tasman series, completing their season undefeated.

'The standard of netball in this year’s ANZ Championships was outstanding, which makes the Firebirds’ achievements all the more remarkable,' Senator Arbib said.

'And for the third consecutive year, the ANZ Championship Grand Final was played before a capacity crowd after tickets for season-decider sold out in less than 20 minutes.

'This shows there is viewer demand for quality women’s sport, especially with the Firebirds v Mystics game being televised live on Channel 10.'

Senator Arbib said the Australian Government was committed to increase the exposure and reach of women’s sport in the Australian media.

'The Government has announced $1.4 million for the Women in Sport Media Grants, a new initiative to help women’s sport attract more media attention,' he said.

'The Queensland media is to be congratulated for their coverage of the Firebirds’ finals campaign, with front-page coverage in the papers and great interest from television, radio and on-line media.

'But we want this to be a regular thing for women’s sport, not the exception.

'Women’s sport currently receives less than nine per cent of sports editorial coverage so we need to support women’s sport to develop a package for media. 

'With the advent of digital television and an increase in demand for content, there is no better time to help women’s sports attract the media coverage that will open the door to long term revenues from sponsorship and broadcast rights.'

Senator Arbib praised Netball Australia for developing a strong media product and viewership.

'Netball’s 2010 Trans Tasman Championship season attracted 9.2 million television viewers and more than two million people tuned in to watch the Commonwealth Games final between Australia and New Zealand,' Senator Arbib said.

'This funding is a critical step in helping other women’s sports which haven’t gained the prominence they deserve.

'We want to see and hear more about their brilliant performances of our female athletes as they inspire other young women across Australia to play sport.

'This funding will directly assist with production costs, marketing and promotion of national and international level Australian women’s leagues, competitions, teams and athletes.'

Senator Arbib said the Australian Government is committed was boosting participation in Netball and recently announced $700,000 participation funding for Netball Australia to ensure more players become involved in the game.

'With role models the Firebirds the future of netball is in good hands,' Senator Arbib said.

Senator Arbib also wished the Firebirds members luck as they go into selection camp for the Australia Diamonds netball team for the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore.

The Diamonds team will be announced at the Lodge in Canberra on Monday.