Nat Barr has revealed her stance on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan to give Aussies a public holiday if the Matildas win the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The PM is set to push State leaders when National Cabinet meets next week into giving Australians a day off if the Matildas achieve the ultimate success.
In a Hot Topics segment on Sunrise on Wednesday morning with Home Affairs Minister O’Neil and shadow finance minister Jane Hume, Barr asked if the politicians supported the public holiday.
O’Neil said she supported the move but Hume said she was opposed to the public holiday.
“Albo is rolling out Bob Hawke’s greatest hits here but small businesses paying high penalty rates will be the ones that suffer,” Hume said.
“How about people celebrate the Matildas’ victory by going and eating out of a small business … and helping small businesses support themselves in a cost of living crisis?”
Barr then asked Hume why the nation should get a holiday to celebrate, should the Matildas go all the way.
“So that’s a no, Jane … the Opposition is against a public holiday if the Matildas win?” Barr questioned.
Hume responded: “There are lots of ways to celebrate without taking a public holiday and hurting small business.”
But Barr said a Matildas’ win would be enormous and could warrant a day off for hard-working Aussies.
“A record number of people have watched these incredible women do incredible things this week. If they win, that would be enormous,” Barr said.
“So is this a good way to celebrate, right?”
Hume did not agree.
“What a very Australian thing to do, to say we’re going to take a day off and have a sleep-in so that we can celebrate something when we could be celebrating it at a small business,” she said.
“Let’s do that and support our small businesses.”
Home Affairs Minister O’Neil was left speechless over the opposition to the public holiday.
“Pro-nuclear but against public holidays — Jane, come on,” she said. “I can’t say this enough — come on, come on!
“This would be an amazing victory for our country and something that would be … you know, a hallmark day for women’s sports.
“We’ve got to celebrate these victories and I think Jane’s right — if people have a day off, go out to the pub and support these small businesses.”