The Federal Government has announced that Paralympians will now receive the same cash reward for winning medals as non-disabled Olympians.
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After Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially announced that the government will to aid Paralympics Australia to reward athletes with the same medal bonuses as Tokyo Olympians on Thursday afternoon, Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck confirmed the news in a press release.
"Our Government will ensure Australia's Paralympic athletes receive payments for winning medals at the Tokyo Games in line with the payments to our Tokyo Olympic medallists," Mr Colbeck said.
"The decision ensures Paralympics Australia can recognise our champion Paralympic athletes in line with payments made by the Australian Olympic Committee to medal-winning athletes in Tokyo."
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Tokyo Olympians received a $20,000 bonus for a gold medal win funded by the Australian Olympics Committee. Now, the government is pledging to assist Paralympics Australia to be able to make the same payment to their athletes.
Australia's Paralympic team are currently ranked eighth on the medal tally with 13 gold medals, 23 silver and 24 bronze.
Tumut man Craig van Rijswijk is the father of Paralympic swimmer Ashley van Rijswijk. He was a strong supporter of the push for pay parity for Paralympians, and welcomed the government's announcement as "fantastic news".
"Having parity and equality with other athletes is a fantastic thing, whether that is with non-disabled athletes, between male and female, it's fantastic that they are treated the same way and their achievements are recognised in the same way," Mr Rijswijk said.
"I think it's just fantastic that they will be recognised in the same way their Olympic athlete counterparts are. It will make them feel appreciated in the same way the Olympians are."
He said the support for the athletes including his daughter Ashley, who finished fifth in the women's 100m breaststroke SB14 final, is a sign the community is getting behind the cause.
"Seeing things over the last weeks, it's been fantastic to watch the support the Paralympians have received," he said. "The support has been absolutely amazing."
Minister Colbeck recognised the contributions of the Paralympians to Australia and their level of dedication in his announcement.
"Australia's para-athletes have represented our nation with great distinction and pride in Tokyo, delivering performances that have buoyed millions during what is a difficult time for the nation," he said.
"Like their Olympic counterparts, Paralympians often have to make major sacrifices in their lives foregoing family and work to train and compete nationally and internationally."
The announcement does not specify where the funding for the bonuses will come from, but makes mention of a commitment to help grow corporate sponsorships which could ensure the payments will be able to be made at future Olympics.
The decision comes after Riverina MP Michael McCormack made a statement to parliament on Wednesday calling for a financial reward scheme off the back of community support for the changes.
The campaign for equal pay was initially started by 100m T13 runner Chad Perris.
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