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 Anne Ruston
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
Shadow Minister for Sport
Senator for South Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
03 April 2023
SENATE INQUIRY TO CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The preparedness of state and federal Labor governments to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be examined by a new Senate Inquiry. The terms of reference have been set out for the committee to examine the planning, spending, infrastructure development and legacy sporting assets of the Games.
Senators from across the Chamber unanimously passed the inquiry motion which will see state government, peak sporting bodies and local government representatives being asked to make submissions. The Coalition will seek to ensure the Inquiry holds public hearings across the regional Games hubs in Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, the La Trobe Valley and Shepparton.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the purpose of the inquiry is to facilitate a successful Commonwealth Games that showcases regional Victoria.
“This Inquiry has been formed after months of concerns regarding the Andrews Government’s ad hoc and opaque decision making for the planning and infrastructure of the Games,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The last Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2006 was a roaring success, boosting the local economy, providing fantastic sporting entertainment and showcasing our great state to international tourists.
“Victoria has a world class reputation for hosting international sporting events. But Premier Andrews is putting all of this at risk by failing to prepare and execute the key infrastructure that will make the Games possible.
“Local councils across regional Victoria are being left in the dark with no clarity on projects, design, and planning.
“In the October Budget we saw the Albanese Government cancel, cut and delay many key infrastructure projects across Victoria. No additional Victorian road projects should be cut or delayed to bail out the debt-ridden Andrews Labor Government’s financial commitments to the Games.”
Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australia’s sporting prowess and create legacy sporting infrastructure that will encourage and support future Australian athletes, which is why it is so critical that there is proper oversight over the Albanese and Andrews Governments handling of these preparations.
“The Coalition are providing the leadership that the Albanese government will not by ensuring the appropriate accountability mechanisms are in place,” Senator Ruston said.
“We want to ensure key sports are engaged in the planning for the Games, local councils are properly supported and there is no mismanagement of taxpayer funds.”
Peak sporting bodies, local government and community groups, as well Games’ committees are encouraged to come forward and make submissions to the inquiry. Submissions are currently open and close on 28 April 2023.
ENDS