Commonwealth Games
Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (12:31): (215) My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. Simon Balderstone, a former Labor adviser and general manager of the Sydney Olympics organising committee, said that the government’s $4.4 billion blowout of the Commonwealth Games is enormous to him and that he cannot really work out where all the money would have been spent. Given that Victorians are asking the same question about the Commonwealth Games, will the minister release the full costings?
Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Equality) (12:31): Thank you, Mr McCracken. Again answering this question as the Minister for Regional Development as fulsomely as I possibly can, negotiations, as you would be aware, are currently on foot between the CGF, CGA and government. I do not intend to cut across or to interfere with those negotiations as they relate to progress of this matter. As has been indicated, Mr McCracken, full information will be provided around the work undertaken for the purpose of costings and of outcomes upon conclusion of those discussions.
Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (12:32): Will the government guarantee Victorian residents and sporting clubs that the full amount of infrastructure spend allocated as part of the Commonwealth Games will be provided in full?
Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Equality) (12:32): Thank you, Mr McCracken. More than $2 billion in that fund to deliver on so many legacy outcomes across the state has already been budgeted for within the 2022–23 budget. That is now allocated to deliver on a range of projects, including $1 billion in social and affordable housing, worker accommodation, a range of sporting and community-based infrastructure and programs – everything from all-abilities participation options through to cultural and multicultural festivals and events. We also want to make sure that we are continuing the work that has already been undertaken in the preparation for legacy and that we continue to build on that from here. Mr McCracken, I would love to have you be part of legacy round tables and conversations. This is about partnership and about collaboration. You were not able to make it to the Committee for Ballarat’s dinner that I addressed last week, but I would really, really welcome an opportunity to work alongside you around those legacy priorities as identified by communities.