Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Leader of the House, Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy, Minister for Major Events, Minister for Medical Research, Minister for Racing, Minister for Economic Development) (14:16): The sun is shining outside, and it is also shining on a huge list of major events Victorians can enjoy over the next six months. Outside of the chambers I am proud that the Victorian visitor economy hit a record $48 billion in annual spend this year, with 120 ‍million visitors to Victoria last year. That is 1200 MCGs.

First up, we have got the NFL coming in two weeks time, with half of the sold-out MCG expected to be interstate and international visitors. That is hotel rooms and restaurants fully booked. We have got pubs at capacity. Our region is seeing an uptick of fans staying and exploring our great state for over a week. Of course then we are off to the races. When we go off to the races and the first group 1 of the spring carnival on Saturday at Caulfield, we expect to see those opposite with their new stablemate in the bright, bright orange One Nation silks. I look forward to seeing that. I will also be at the Caulfield Cup in October and the Melbourne Cup in November, with Half Yours looking to repeat his historic double from last year. Perhaps the opposition leader should also be backing that in, because after all the Liberals–One Nation coalition will only be half yours.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, again, as with every other ministers statement this week, the minister is misusing their ministers statement. As you are sitting down multiple ministers every day, I would ask you to sit this minister down.

The SPEAKER: I ask the member for Brighton to cease making statements with his points of order. Come back to your ministers statement, Minister, without attacking the opposition.

Anthony CARBINES: You might be able to stop the major events minister, but you cannot stop the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup. We have also got the AFL Grand Final, the MotoGP featuring Barnesy, the Australian Open golf, the Boxing Day test, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Australian Open tennis. We have got the Formula One and even the 150th Ashes anniversary test match all before the next footy season starts with round 1 next year in March, when the Catters might even be raising another premiership flag. We will see. What else have we got on the go? You must also be careful deciding. I list these major events so that those opposite can consider what they will cut with $40 billion in cuts. That is the list that they have got to choose from.

The SPEAKER: The minister will resume his seat.

Anthony CARBINES: We will defend major events in this state and jobs in Victoria.

The SPEAKER: Minister, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but please look at the Chair when I ask you to resume your seat.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the serial offending by ministers opposite is just out of control. It is serial offending.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.