Bit of a long one this morning.
You might have heard the news this morning that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
And I wanted to tell you about the decision.
When the Commonwealth Games needed a host city to step in at the last minute, we were willing to help – but not at any price.
And not without a big lasting benefit for regional Victoria.
It’s now clear: more than $6 billion for a 12-day sporting event is just too high.
It’s more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring our state.
The main reason we agreed to host the Games was to create a big lasting benefit for our regions – with more housing, boosts to tourism and sporting infrastructure upgrades.
So here’s what we’re doing instead.
We’ll build at least 1,300 new social and affordable housing homes in regional Victoria.
We’ll build all the permanent sporting facilities that we promised for 2026.
We’ll work with sports clubs at a grassroots level to get more local families playing sport, including removing barriers for Victorians with disabilities.And there’ll be a massive boost in regional tourism and events – so they’ll have the very best new attractions, events and accommodation.
These projects will create around 3,000 jobs right around the state, and deliver what our regional communities have asked for.
It’s the right thing to do.
From the get-go, we said we’d create a long, lasting legacy throughout our regions.
And we’re getting on with it.
You might have heard the news this morning that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
And I wanted to tell you about the decision.
When the Commonwealth Games needed a host city to step in at the last minute, we were willing to help – but not at any price.
And not without a big lasting benefit for regional Victoria.
It’s now clear: more than $6 billion for a 12-day sporting event is just too high.
It’s more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring our state.
The main reason we agreed to host the Games was to create a big lasting benefit for our regions – with more housing, boosts to tourism and sporting infrastructure upgrades.
So here’s what we’re doing instead.
We’ll build at least 1,300 new social and affordable housing homes in regional Victoria.
We’ll build all the permanent sporting facilities that we promised for 2026.
We’ll work with sports clubs at a grassroots level to get more local families playing sport, including removing barriers for Victorians with disabilities.And there’ll be a massive boost in regional tourism and events – so they’ll have the very best new attractions, events and accommodation.
These projects will create around 3,000 jobs right around the state, and deliver what our regional communities have asked for.
It’s the right thing to do.
From the get-go, we said we’d create a long, lasting legacy throughout our regions.
And we’re getting on with it.
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Every Victorian deserves a place to call home.
So on top of the Big Housing Build, we'll invest $1 billion for a Regional Housing Fund.
We'll work with councils and local communities to determine the right mix for each area.
It's what's needed. And we'll deliver it.
So on top of the Big Housing Build, we'll invest $1 billion for a Regional Housing Fund.
We'll work with councils and local communities to determine the right mix for each area.
It's what's needed. And we'll deliver it.
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We've just removed the 71st and 72nd level crossings in Glen Huntly.
Two more sets of boom gates gone.
Two years ahead of schedule.
Two more sets of boom gates gone.
Two years ahead of schedule.
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Because of @TheMatildas there will be countless young girls who now know that they can grow up and be sports stars.
You've broken records and captured our hearts - but above all, you've made dreams possible.
And when you take on Sweden, we'll all be cheering you on.
You've broken records and captured our hearts - but above all, you've made dreams possible.
And when you take on Sweden, we'll all be cheering you on.
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