Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (09:44): We have had an amazing basketball month over the last few weeks. We had the NBL bring over the EuroLeague; we had a Greek team in Panathinaikos and we had a Serbian team in Partizan. It was fantastic, even the bouzouki being played in the last minute of the game when the Greek team was clearly going to win. I want to acknowledge the NBL. They are incredible in terms of not only supporting Victorian and Australian talent – it is an Australian league – but also bringing us showcase matches. Of course the one that I am leading up to is the NBA coming to Australia for the first time in its history, and it will be here in Melbourne with the New Orleans Pelicans. The NBL was an absolute stunner of a two-game series – four days, a lot of access for kids and young people around Victoria, $10 open training sessions and a whole bunch of opportunities. Well done to the NBL for their partnership with the Victorian government in the major events capital of the country.