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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
Shaquille O’Neal landed in Australia on Tuesday and has been the buzz of the country ever since. The Lakers legend is visiting the Land Down Under for the first time in more than two decades. In fact, the big man has made it his goal to make this his most memorable visit to Oz.
His most memorable moment in Australia came when he joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney at a press conference.
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I’m here in the land down undaa
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) August 23, 2022
Shaq wanted to talk about the government’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. Following a wonderful meeting, Prime Minister Albanese presented Shaq with two jerseys from his beloved rugby league side, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. In addition to that, Ms. Burney gifted the NBA legend a boomerang handmade by indigenous artist Josh Evans.
Not every day you get to shake hands with NBA legend @SHAQ.
The 4x NBA champion discussed his charity work, basketball & his interest in the First Nations Voice.
I hope he enjoys the Bunnies jersey, & the killer boomerang handmade by 25 year old Wiradjuri artist Josh Evans. pic.twitter.com/sBqWczV9DG
— Linda Burney MP (@LindaBurneyMP) August 27, 2022
While the jerseys would not pose a difficulty in terms of customs clearance, the boomerang may. So Shaq hilariously asked Mr. Albanese if he could grant him the custom clearance.
Well, that part should be fairly easy considering he is the Prime Minister.
Why is Shaquille O’Neal in Australia?
Shaquille O’Neal has returned to Australia after more than 20 years and is making the most of his stay. As a guest on several TV shows, he has been delivering an uncensored peek into his life and career.
The Australians were also given the opportunity to revel in his alter ego as DJ Diesel had his shows lined up in Melbourne and Sydney. The fans also got to witness the big man through various meet and greets.
The most memorable and significant element of his journey, though, was meeting the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Australians during a press conference.
PM Albanese met with Shaq to discuss the government’s referendum on Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The NBA veteran stated emphatically that he loves Australia and will be there for them if they need anything from him.
.@NBA basketball legend @SHAQ O'Neal has agreed to film a series of videos to support Prime Minister @AlboMP's quest for an Indigenous voice to parliament. https://t.co/5tBLXGn8AN #auspol #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/kGSHhd1qKk
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) August 27, 2022
Albanese indicated that he had a reason to involve Shaq in the country’s referendum. He emphasized that it is about working with and connecting with individuals who can connect with people from all walks of life, not just the youth.
Albanese also added that it was Shaq who was interested in meeting with him and discussing their intentions for a referendum.
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Shaquille O’Neal retired from basketball more than a decade ago. However, he continues to be an inspiration to countless individuals.
