Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Ministers statements: Commonwealth Games

Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Equality) (12:24): I rise today to talk in my capacity as the Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy. This is an opportunity through Victoria 2026, the very first Commonwealth Games ever to take place in a rural and regional setting that will deliver the eyes of the world to rural and regional Victoria, with a return on investment of around $3 billion. What this represents is an unprecedented opportunity, and it is unfortunate that those opposite are so busy –

Members interjecting.

Sonja Terpstra: On a point of order, President, I cannot hear the minister. The noise in here is inappropriate. I would ask that those opposite allow the minister to continue in silence, and I think she should be allowed to start from the top.

The PRESIDENT: I uphold the point of order. There was too much noise. I think the minister can start from the top where she says ‘building on the previous minister’s good work’.

Harriet SHING: I note your ruling, President, in relation to the pathway that was set for the work that is now happening. Indeed the inaugural speeches of a number of members who sit in opposition have really been very complimentary of the opportunities that the Commonwealth Games, as part of Victoria 2026, will deliver to rural and regional Victoria, and that is why when we turn the eyes of the world to rural and regional Victoria and to the electorates of a number of people here on the opposition benches, who say they prioritise their communities, a return on investment of $3 billion is no laughing matter. An opportunity for volunteers, for schoolchildren, for jobs and indeed for a whole range of opportunities to come to the regions is no laughing matter.

Those opposite may well seek to criticise the Commonwealth Games from here, but what I think we should do is unite around this very special opportunity to get behind the procurement pipeline and the opportunities for expressions of interest that are now available. Employment suppliers and group training organisations can register via the Buying for Victoria website. This is at buyingfor.vic.gov.au. I would also encourage people to really get on board with Apprenticeships Victoria and the skills and training pathways that that will deliver. I know that my colleague Minister Tierney has been doing a power of work in that space. The reference, should anyone be playing along at home, is apprenticeships.vic.gov.au.

What we are seeing here, beyond the record investment that we have made in rural and regional Victoria, is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy through infrastructure, through community pride, through the telling of stories and through the localised opportunities for everything from food, produce, wayfinding, cultural identity and First Nations engagement right through to inclusion and accessibility. This is about the best games of our lives, and I look forward to everybody jumping on board.