Eurovision Song Contest
Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. T.A. Franks:
That this Council notes that South Australian band Electric Fields are the first duo to represent Australia at the Eurovision song contest and wishes them every success.
(Continued from 15 May 2024.)
The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (17:51): I rise today on behalf of the Liberal Party to support the Hon. Tammy Franks' motion. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to acknowledge South Australian band Electric Fields and congratulate the fabulous duo, Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, for representing Australia at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
Growing up in the neighbourhood of Payneham as a teenager, our family home was surrounded by European migrants, and they passionately introduced the colourful Eurovision program to our family in the 1970s.
The convergence of multilingual, multicultural and multitalented artists in spectacular, outlandish costumes, a fusion of traditional soulful ballads to modern electrical sounds on the magnificent special effects stage, are some of the hallmarks that make Eurovision perhaps the most eccentric song competition ever to continue to grace our screens.
Eurovision has been held annually since 1956, making it one of the world's longest running international music competitions on television.
Why is Australia competing in Eurovision when we are not part of Europe? So many people ask that question but, believe it or not, it is because Australia has been one of the event's biggest markets outside Europe.
Australian broadcaster SBS has been covering the contest since 1983—over four decades. Australia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2015 and is the only country outside the European Broadcasting Area to have ever competed in Eurovision.
I recall I moved a motion in Parliament House about Eurovision when Guy Sebastian represented Australia on the Eurovision stage for the first time in 2015 and I also recall the Hon. Tammy Franks spoke in support of my motion. I thank her again for that. Now fast forward to this year and Australia voted for South Australia's very own Electric Fields to represent us on the Eurovision stage.
Fabulous vocalist, Zaachariaha Fielding, and keyboard player and producer, Michael Ross, have been performing as Electric Fields since 2015. They blend their soulful pop with upbeat electronics to create the most vibrant and eclectic music.
Today, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary achievements of two amazing artists. Zaachariaha is a multiple award winner and a celebrated South Australian artist from Mimili in the APY lands and, alongside his collaborator, Michael Ross, in Electric Fields, is an artist and musician of great talent.
To see the band Electric Fields perform on the stage at Eurovision in front of more than 160 million viewers throughout the world is just an extraordinary achievement. As a multicultural country where we celebrate and embrace diversity and cultures of the world, it is incredibly significant that Australians are invited to participate in the Eurovision contest.
Congratulations to Electric Fields and well done to Zaachariaha and Michael for their epic performance presenting the song One Mikali (One Blood). This meaningful song is about unity, solidarity and embracing the richness of an Aboriginal language sung for the first time at the Eurovision contest. The performance also featured musician Fred Leone on the yidaki, or didgeridoo, another Eurovision first.
I am so pleased that both Zaachariaha and Michael are here in the gallery together with the management team and lots of fans. It is a great privilege to recognise their well-deserved achievements today in this Parliament. I join Honourable Members and thank them for representing Australia on the world stage and acknowledge their contributions to the arts and music industry locally and internationally. I wish Electric Fields a bright and successful future ahead. Stand tall and be great.
Congratulations. It is a great privilege to support this motion.