Commonwealth Games
Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:07): My question is for the Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, representing the Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery. My understanding of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is that there may be a few events in the wider Gippsland area, the rest to be spread amongst regional cities. I do congratulate the government for its regional focus on these games, but I want to advocate for more events to be held in Gippsland, which needs all the help it can get given that the end of the native timber industry is getting closer and closer. My question is: will the minister commit to advocating for more events, particularly shooting events if we can do it, to be held in Gippsland and to ensure adequate funding for any infrastructure is available?
Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Veterans) (12:08): Thank you, Mr Bourman. That is an excellent question to the Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery. If you will give me licence, I can speak on behalf of her and myself as the Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy in giving you the answer in one word: yes.
Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:08): I thank the minister for his very succinct answer, and I will remind Mr Gepp that fishing and farming are not athletic events, but shooting is. Anyway—
Members interjecting.
Mr BOURMAN: Had enough? My supplementary question is: whatever facilities are available at the end of the events will obviously be left over. I might also point out that there is a problem with social housing in Gippsland, as Ms Bath raised before, that the athletes village may help with. Will the government commit to supporting the ongoing use and upkeep of the facilities by local groups to ensure that there is an ongoing benefit to Gippsland and other areas after the games are held?
Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Veterans) (12:09): Thank you, Mr Bourman. If you are happy for me to take licence, I can respond on behalf of the Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery and myself in my role as Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy. The answer is absolutely yes.