Wednesday, 11 September 2024

Ministers statements: major events

Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:35): Spring in the sporting and events capital of the country – where else would you rather be? Just last week over 97,000 fans at the G saw the Hawks beat the Doggies. That is more than the Swans will get in both their finals in the northern state. We have got the MotoGP in the electorate of the member for Bass, which highlights the beauty and diversity of Victoria’s natural environment on the international sporting stage. We have Coldplay flying out from the UK specifically to attend Marvel Stadium, only a short walk from the Federal Court. And who could forget the Spring Racing Carnival. As the Minister for Racing will remind me, over 560,000 people attended the carnival last year. That is more than 10 Queensland State of Origin matches right here in Melbourne each and every year.

But we do not just have this type of packed calendar for spring or summer; we do not just have it for this year or next. We have the best calendar all year round for years to come. We have the AFL Grand Final until 2059, the Australian Open until 2046 – and the Australian Open has 39 courts – and the Formula One Grand Prix until 2037, and much to the dismay of the interstate cheerleaders opposite, we have locked in the Boxing Day test until 2031.

Here in Victoria we do not just put on a major event, we give people a ringside or courtside experience they will not forget. Just yesterday I was in front of Margaret Court Arena announcing the new route for the AFL Grand Final parade. Last week I opened the new St Andrews Beach Brewery at Melbourne Park, giving fans the opportunity to walk straight from the courts to the premier food and drink venues of Melbourne Park while avoiding any legal tangles. While the Australian Open is not here until January, there will be someone on centre court very shortly that Victorians are very keen to have a look at.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Member for Frankston, you can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Frankston withdrew from chamber.