Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (18:04): I rise to update the house that Victoria is the major events capital. We do not need to make Victoria great again, like some are saying. We do not need cues from Donald Trump or Barnaby Joyce. Victoria is already great. Do not take my word for it. Here is what the Veronicas said last Friday at John Cain Arena:

This is our first sell out arena show ever and it just makes sense that it would be in Melbourne because Melbourne, you’re actually our favourite city in the world.

And they went on:

You know everyone always thinks we’re from Melbourne and we’re actually from Brisbane, but we always say we wish we were from Melbourne. We wish.

We have just finished the biggest ever grand slam in the history of all grand slams, not just the Australian one; the biggest ever grand prix at Albert Park in the history of the grand prix at Albert Park; and the biggest ever Australian Open golf in the tournament’s history. But, sure, let us go back to the dark old days – or the good old days, apparently, according to some – pre 2014, to make Victoria great again. The Australian Open attendance was less than half the size of the Australian Open attendance now. The grand prix was almost 150,000 people less than what it is today. The Australian Open golf? We did not even have it. And the tourism spend was 42 per cent of what it is today.

But we are not stopping there. Because of this Premier, we secured the NBA last year and we have secured the NFL this year for a long-term deal. Thanks to our government, we have secured the Australian Open until 2046, the grand prix until 2037 and the grand final until 2059. Do you know what else? We made it easier for Victorians to get there because we made public transport free during summer. While those opposite look to Donald Trump and Barnaby Joyce for inspiration, we are inspired by Victorians, and every other global city is inspired by Melbourne in major events.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, a third minister in a row has misused their ministers statement.

The SPEAKER: The minister has concluded his statement.