ACT Government urged to 'put our money where our mouth is' with filing of 5000-strong petition for Canberra United

The ACT Government has been compelled to answer a petition calling for it and Capital Football to prioritise the sustainability and growth of Canberra United.

The petition, which originally started on change.org, contains more than 5000 signatures and was formally tabled to the Legislative Assembly by Brindabella MLA Laura Nuttall on Wednesday (10 April).

The petition also calls on both the government and Capital Football to ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to the team.

Ms Nuttall said there was a history of women’s sport being sidelined, and the ACT Government needed to “put our money where our mouth is”.

“A good way to test that is wondering whether, in fact, you would say AFL or AFLM,” she said.

“Women and girls in elite sports continue to face systemic challenges and prejudices. The discrepancy in resources, in recognition and support between men’s and women’s sports, is glaring, and it is unacceptable.”

It follows a groundswell effort by Save Canberra United to raise $300,000 so the club can afford to field the team for the 24/25 season. As of this morning (11 April), more than $57,000 had been raised.

The petition contains signatures not only from Canberrans but also from the UK, New Zealand, Fiji and Iran.

Ms Nuttall said given how much money the ACT Government gives to other sports, such as $2.85 million to the GWS Giants, more needed to be invested in the local side.

“Their future hangs in the balance. Without adequate support and investment, we risk not only the success of Canberra United but also the dreams and aspirations of countless women and girls across our region,” she said.

“We need to rally behind our women’s A-League team with unwavering support. Their success is not just a matter of sporting achievement but a testament to the ACT’s commitment to equality and inclusivity.

“Canberra has always prided itself on being progressive and forward-thinking, and now’s the time to prove that once again.”

Sports Minister Yvette Berry has previously been vocal in her support of Canberra United to continue as well.

She said she was “thrilled” to see so much support on this issue and assured the community the government was working hard to find a way to not only provide short and medium-term certainty to players, but long-term security for the team.

“It would be an absolute shame to see this club fold,” Ms Berry said.

She filed another round of petition signatures, which included the names of everyone in the ACT Labor caucus to signify their support.

The ACT Government had previously doubled its investment into Canberra United from $125,000 to $250,000 per year.

Canberra has also been flagged as the home of an A-League men’s team, but Ms Berry has made it clear she doesn’t want this at the expense of Canberra United.

An ACT Government spokesperson said the men’s team appeared to be the “model preferred” by investors.

“[Ms Berry] has been working with stakeholders for several weeks to try and find a solution, including Capital Football, A-League Investors and Canberra United Supporters,” they said.

When asked why the government had given much more money to other sporting teams, the spokesperson said the government considered a range of factors when considering partnerships with elite teams.

“[These considerations] include the opportunity for broader economic benefits to the Territory through encouraging visitation and providing promotion and exposure for Canberra as a destination, as well as pathway development opportunities for the local community,” they said.

Referring specifically to the multi-year, multimillion-dollar GWS Giants deal, the spokesperson said it provided much more to the ACT than at least three AFL matches and at least two AFLW matches to Manuka Oval each year.

“Nearly 45 per cent of the funding provided through this agreement is for a tourism partnership through Visit Canberra,” they said.

“Through this component of the agreement, Canberra is promoted as a destination in our largest markets, Sydney and Melbourne, and the regional areas between those cities and ours.”

Ms Berry has three months to formally respond to the petition. As it has more than 500 signatures, it will also be automatically referred to the relevant Assembly committee for consideration.