The announcement to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is an
embarrassment on the world stage, Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle
Broad said today.
Ms Broad asks “why bid for the games if you can’t deliver it? This Government has
overpromised and under delivered.”
Ms Broad said Labor has destroyed Victoria’s reputation as a world class events centre.
“The projects to be built in regional Victoria, such as low-cost housing, are already long
overdue.
“The Premier refused to answer questions at today’s press conference, and they need to be
held accountable for their financial mismanagement of Victoria.
“This news is devastating for our athletes who train for years and dream of representing
Australia on the world stage.
“It’s also very disappointing for thousands of regional Victorian businesses that were looking
forward to the economic boost the 2026 Commonwealth Games would bring.
“This Labor Government has been marred by project delays and cost blowouts, and yet
again regional Victoria misses out.”
Ms Broad said instead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games leaving a legacy in Victoria, Labor
will leave a legacy of financial ruin.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget
McKenzie said, unfortunately it has been clear for months that Victorian Labor were not
going to be able to deliver the infrastructure required for a successful Commonwealth
Games.
“Labor’s reckless approach to financial management has left the state unable to honour its
international commitments,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Today’s announcement shows no infrastructure project in Victoria is safe from the axe, no
matter how many times the Premier has said it will go ahead.
“Victoria’s regional cities were told they would be promoted on the world stage and now
they have been embarrassed globally.
“Bendigo has a proud sporting tradition and we cannot allow the reputations of this vibrant
community to be trashed by Labor.
“The Andrews’ Labor Government’s financial mismanagement has burnt more than 100
years work making Victoria recognised as the global sporting capital,” Senator McKenzie
said.
Senator McKenzie said the Senate Inquiry will be pursuing Victoria’s mishandling of the
infrastructure build, the games delivery and the impacts on our international reputation.
Photo caption: A sign at the Bendigo Showgrounds proclaims it will be a proud venue for the Commonwealth Games.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 Linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
