Thursday, 24 September 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) (14:13): I rise to update the house on Australia’s original major event, the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival – 600,000 attendees across three months of statewide action, including 26 country cups for a total economic contribution of some $800 million. The Carroll Labor government’s $72 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund has been a game changer, with track upgrades at Bendigo, Benalla, Ballarat and a horse hospital at Cranbourne. The Major Racing Events Fund of $15 million has backed the big events, including the Caulfield Cup Carnival and a historic Cox Plate to be run at headquarters while Moonee Valley is completely rebuilt, including thousands of new homes. The spring carnival across the state will see 72,000 interstate visitors and 11,000 ‍international visitors. All eyes will return to Flemington for the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup, plus the return of DJ Fisher on Champion Stakes Day.

As we cast our eyes over the November prospects, I see them rounding the bend into the famous Flemington Straight. Free dental is travelling well after a late plunge and 10 new dental clinics. The people’s champ for the Frankston line is looking strong after today’s crime stats down again. A change of jockey has worked miracles there. But the Nationals are looking for a solid run. They are always in the placings. The upper house has gone backwards. No-one can read their form. It is Geelong strong with the Bellarine link drawing plenty of interest. Not much love for Brighton or Bulleen, but they do fancy themselves and can never be ruled out. Into the final hundred; now we wait. But it is One Nation making a late run, one out and one back with some cover from the blue silks. It could be the Liberal Party – often the frontrunner, always the bridesmaid. Clerks of the course have been busy again, and we thank them for their service. The reins have been pulled from Malvern, from Macedon, from Melton and Mill Park. We thank them too. There are some late scratchings also. Fifty metres to go – the royal commission is travelling nicely, but I make no predictions. Flying home, coming fast, 17,000 nurses, the highest paid teachers. It is neck and neck. It is a head bobber. Here comes Aberfeldie boy, the first past the post on 28 November. Put down your glasses or raise one in December. That is racing.