Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate
Senator for Victoria
Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan
Chair of Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee
Senator for Queensland
MEDIA RELEASE
25 July 2023
FEDERAL COMMONWEALTH GAMES PROBE RE-OPENS PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS
Submissions into the Senate inquiry on Australia’s preparedness to host the Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games have reopened in the wake of the Victorian Government decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie who called for the inquiry in April this year wrote to the Committee Chair this week to request the reopening of public submissions and seek updated submissions from those who have already contributed to the inquiry.
“Premier Andrews’ decision to abandon the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a terrible outcome for sport and major events in this country and businesses, sporting organisations, community organisations and local government are the ones left to bear the brunt,” Senator McKenzie said.
“It’s imperative for all affected to have the opportunity to provide evidence to the inquiry to ensure a thorough examination of the Victoria’s hosting collapse.”
Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee responsible for the inquiry, Senator Matt Canavan said the Andrews Government decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games has left regional areas set to benefit in the lurch.
“We think it’s vital that those communities have a chance to have their say and for the Victorian Labor Government to be held to account,” Senator Canavan said.
“That’s why we’ve reopened submissions into the inquiry to give the people who were preparing for the Games, competing for contracts, residents that will no longer see a benefit from improved facilities, and councils that had already started spending their own money to be able to have their evidence on public record.”
Senator McKenzie said she was hoping for positive outcomes to arise from the Senate inquiry.
“My hope is for another host for the Games to be secure to resurrect Australia’s international reputation. That is what the Prime Minister should be working towards to clean up the mess of Victorian Labor.”
Hearings for the inquiry are scheduled to be held on August 22, 27 and 28.
Submissions to the inquiry can be made here.