Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ministers statements: events industry

Mr PAKULA (Keysborough—Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Minister for Trade, Minister for Business Precincts, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Racing) (14:22): It is obvious that it is exceedingly difficult to run major events during a global pandemic with people jammed together, with international travel restrictions and with a largely unvaccinated population. But through 2021 our workers and their employers made an extraordinary effort to get vaccinated with the support of the government. So this year, unlike the previous two years, we had, for example, the biggest four-day grand prix crowd in the world ever. We had 90 per cent hotel occupancy in the city for the first time since the pandemic began. We had four perfect Melbourne days broadcast to the world. We had spectators, staff, crews and drivers all fully vaxxed. With other states actively pursuing our race, our events calendar and our global brand, I can scarcely convey to the house how important it was for this year’s event to be a stunning success.

And it was. That is the difference that a year makes, and that is the difference that our vaccination effort and the effort of those workers has made. It is why the Australian Open was able to proceed, fully vaxxed. It is why Hamilton and Moulin Rouge! were able to open to packed audiences. It is why over 40 000 people could pack into Marvel Stadium for the world lightweight title fight between Haney and Kambosos. It is why our pubs and restaurants can be once again operating at full tilt. It is why fans are back at the footy, and it is why the May races were so much fun—because of the effort of our workers, because of science and because of the great effort of Victorian workers. It has allowed our state to hum again. It is a beautiful thing to see, and we cannot thank our workers for doing their bit more than enough.