Ministers statements: Commonwealth Games
Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Veterans) (12:15): Today I would like to provide an update on Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games flag was handed over to Governor Linda Dessau in Birmingham during a magnificent closing ceremony. A fantastic smoking ceremony was conducted by elders of four traditional owner groups, who invited the world to come to country for the games in regional Victoria. The Games will be hosted in four hubs, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland, for 12 days—12 exciting days, I have got to say—from 17 to 29 March 2026. I have been very privileged to meet with traditional owner groups, sporting clubs, councils and social enterprises, particularly in Geelong, Morwell and Bendigo and I plan to be in Ballarat very soon, to speak about how these regional games can leave a positive legacy. As I mentioned in my answer to Mr Bourman there is a core group of 16 sports that are slated for the Commonwealth Games, and international sporting federations have been invited to submit an expression of interest if they would like to have their particular sport added to the program. There is great opportunity for local jobs, social enterprises, apprentices, training and upgraded facilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for regional Victoria, and I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders to get the optimum outcome and the best legacy we can for the Commonwealth Games in 2026.