Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I always note that two things bring our communities together—food and sport. So many young people and their families in my electorate of Holt are invested in the sport of their choice, spending hours in varying conditions, all for the passion of the game. But with this passion also comes common sense. It is safe to say that a player will continue to play on until the risks are too much to bear. This common sense applied on the field extends to the common sense applied off the field, especially in the case of the Victorian government's decision to not continue hosting the 2026 regional Commonwealth Games.

The Albanese Labor government shares and understands the disappointing news of the Victorian government's cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It has impacted many, particularly Australia's best athletes and para-athletes, by removing an additional competition opportunity on the pathway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. But Labor governments look at many things, with the sound and impartial assessment of risk and reward. All governments, be they local, state or federal, have to make difficult decisions and choices in the best interests of the communities they serve.

The primary reason Victoria agreed to host the games was to deliver lasting benefits in housing, tourism and supporting infrastructure across regional Victoria. This was intended to be accomplished with a budget of $2.6 billion. Unfortunately, according to public statements from the Victorian premier, the cost of hosting the regional Victorian Commonwealth Games will exceed $6 billion, more than twice the estimated economic benefit the games would bring to Victoria. This, rightfully so, is a cost blowout. If the costs significantly outweigh the economic benefits and outcomes, it will be an injustice to the Victorian people to continue with a project that does not deliver net benefits to them.

Victorian regional communities can and will continue to preserve in the absence of the games not because they do not deserve to host them but because they are more resilient than relying on a single event to showcase their greatness. Is it justifiable in this current economic climate to redirect money from other areas of the state budget to impact every day Victorians? No. This is why the Victorian government's decision to cancel the 2026 regional Commonwealth Games was a sound decision. Again, sometimes governments need to make difficult and unpopular decisions for the greater benefit of the community.

Victoria can and will continue to be the centre of major sporting events. Outside of the two times over COVID, Victoria hosted the AFL Grand Final, and it continues to be the hub for many sporting events, like the Australian Open and the Grand Prix. It is silly to assume the reputation of Victoria being a centre for major sporting events will be impacted by a single decision. In light of all of this, there is a silver lining: in lieu of games funding, the Victorian government announced a $2 billion spend package for regional Victoria. This is to ensure regional Victoria will receive all benefits that would have been facilitated by the games, and so much more. The Victorian government has committed to the people of Victoria that every one of the permanent, new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects planned as part of the games will still proceed and will be completed as planned.

The Albanese Labor government is focused on moving forward. A decision has been made. We will continue progressing with inspirational and world-class sporting events. The green and gold decade of major sporting events being hosted in Australia, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be spectacular.

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