Wednesday, 2 August 2023

Ministers statements: major events

Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Creative Industries) (14:23): Victoria’s major events are world class. Our tourism sector is booming, and our government is committed to doing what matters. This industry supports 21,000 workers, and I was proud to announce continuing support for major events in this year’s budget. Major events drive interstate and international visitations and put Melbourne and Victoria on the map, filling hotel rooms and creating Victorian jobs. We know that people will travel interstate; in fact attendance from interstate at many of these events is 40 per cent and above.

Last weekend we saw the biggest crowd for the Wallabies game in 25 years right here in Melbourne, with 83,000 fans at the Bledisloe Cup. Almost 28,000 fans packed AAMI Park for the extraordinary win by the Matildas over Canada, 4–nil. But ours is not just a Melbourne story. We have made huge investments in regional Victoria over the years, supporting over 300 events since 2016, from stadium events such as the Kings of Leon in Mildura to White Nights in Shepparton, Ballarat and yours and the Deputy Premier’s beautiful town of Bendigo, Speaker. This wonderful event captivates the entire community. There is the great city of Ballarat, much loved by the members for Wendouree and Buninyong, which this month will see the Foto Biennale. I know the incredible member for Geelong is happy to welcome Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League matches to Kardinia Park this year.

I am proud to say Victoria’s visitor economy hit a record $35 billion in annual spend this year. This is a testament to the hard work of tourism operators, accommodation providers and event organisers right through Victoria, with strong and sustained support by our government. There is fierce competition globally, however, for major events, but Victoria will continue to be ahead of the pack for three reasons: our world-class facilities, our expert workforce that delivers the best experiences and a community that comes out in droves to support these major events. This government is investing another $150 million in regional tourism as of the last few weeks.

John Pesutto interjected.

Steve DIMOPOULOS: Jobs, economic growth and quality of life – this is doing what matters in tourism and major events.

The SPEAKER: I ask the Leader of the Opposition to not interject when members are on their feet.