Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot today congratulated Australian surfers on a triumphant year topped off with Joel Parkinson's Pipeline victory to complete an Australian clean sweep of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and ASP World Junior honours in 2012.
Joel Parkinson's victory on the North Shore of Oahu completed a tremendous 12 months for Australian surfing with Stephanie Gilmore also claiming her fifth Women's World Title in July and Jack Freestone and Nikki Van Dijk winning World Junior Titles in Bali in October.
Parkinson's memorable day at Pipe was one of the most anticipated World Titles for many years. He has travelled to the North Shore 12 times and finished second in the World Title race four times (2002, 2004, 2009, 2011) – twice to Andy Irons; and once to Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater.
Gilmore's fifth World Title placed her back on the mantle of women's surfing. She won four titles from four events from 2007-2010 but unfortunately missed out in 2011. Bouncing back in 2012 Gilmore had a huge year and her dominance ensured the World Title was never in doubt.
Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan spoke to Joel Parkinson, also from Nambour, this morning to congratulate him before returning to Australia.
"This is a magnificent result for Joel, and the entire Australian surfing family is absolutely thrilled for him." Mr Swan said.
"Joel's story of persistence and hard work in the face of adversity over the years to achieve this World Championship is nothing short of inspirational."
Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said this caps off a brilliant year for Australian surfing.
" Both Joel and Steph have done Australia and Tweed Heads proud in 2012," Ms Elliot said.
"Joel now joins Steph, Jack and Nicky in an illustrious club of Australian world champs, a position he fully deserves."
Senator Lundy said the success of the Freestone and Van Dijk in the World Junior Titles confirms that Australian surfing will continue to dominate in the future years.
"At just 18 years old Freestone was the first Australian to win the Junior Titles in 10 years and at 17 years old Van Dijk's win was the first time a Victorian won an ASP title," Senator Lundy said.
"Surfing is an Australian icon and the Gillard Government is proud of the achievements of our surfers and the inspiration they provide to future generations of surfers around Australia."
The Government is a proud investor in surfing and congratulates Surfing Australia on providing an environment for our surfers to develop and succeed.