General News
26 July, 2023
Leaving a legacy of financial ruin, says Broad
THE Decision 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. Ms Broad asks “Why bid for the games if you can’t deliver it? This...
THE Decision 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.
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.
In a statement, Ms Broad said
“The projects to be built in regional Victoria, such as low-cost housing, are already long overdue.
“The Premier refused to answer questions at the 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.