Australias Paralympic medallists to be paid the same bonuses as Olympians

"I'm very pleased to announce that the government will provide additional support to Paralympics Australia to ensure our Paralympic medallists will receive equivalent payments to our Olympic medallists,” he said. 

“The Minister for Sport, at my request, spoke to Paralympics Australia CEO Lyn Anderson earlier today, and I'm delighted we had been able to support our fantastic Paralympians in this way.”

PM confirms funding for medal bonuses for Paralympians

While some para-athletes may receive medal bonuses from individual sponsors or the governing body within their sport, a general medal bonus from the national Paralympic body can’t be accommodated.

Prior to the government announcement, Paralympics Australia said this is something it is striving towards.

“Paralympics Australia absolutely agrees that our Paralympians deserve equity of recognition,” said chief executive Lynne Anderson earlier this week. 

“PA has never had a funding program for Paralympic Games medallists as we just don’t have this funding available from grants or sponsorship. This is something we will look at again after the Tokyo Games.”

SBS News contacted Paralympics Australia on Thursday for a response. 

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The announcement comes after the SBS News report highlighted the inequity and sparked calls for change.

Olympic gold medallist and AFLW player Chloe Dalton was among a number of Australians who launched initiatives to try and level the playing field. 

Dalton set up a fundraiser, hoping the money will be split evenly among Australia's medal winners at the Paralympics in Tokyo. In three days, it raised $75,000.

Speaking to SBS News from Tokyo, Australian Paralympic sprinter Scott Reardon welcomed the announcement. 

“I think it’s really, really cool to be acknowledged like our Olympic counterparts are, for the first time in our Paralympic history,” he said.

“Just the acknowledgement that we are seen as equals is pretty cool.”

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Reardon won a silver medal in the T63 100m sprint in London and then took gold in record time at the Rio Games.

The sprinter missed out on the podium in Tokyo but said the financial boost some of his compatriots will take home will make a difference.

“The financial stuff is obviously cool and people will be able to use that in ways that will enhance their lives and enhance their training," he said. 

So far Australia has won 60 medals, including 13 golds, at the Paralympics in Tokyo which are set to wrap up on Sunday.

Mr Morrison gave a "shout out" to Paralympic role models including Dan Michel, who won Australia’s first boccia medal in 25 years.

“I have to give a shout out to Dan Michel and his ramp assistant. They won bronze in boccia. They are from the shire, and I'm a very proud local member for them,” he said.

“All our Paralympians are incredibly dedicated but the dedication Christie Dawes in athletics and Danni Di Toro in table tennis is extraordinary. They're both competing in their seventh Olympics.”

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