Regional Victoria still paying the price for Labor’s Games debacle

With just one year until the 2026 Commonwealth Games commence in Glasgow, The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy says regional Victoria is still reeling from the Allan Labor Government’s disastrous cancellation of the Games.

“What was meant to be a once in a generation opportunity to put our regions on the world stage ended in complete failure, and it’s regional Victorians who continue to pay the price,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Labor’s botched handling of the Commonwealth Games has cost Victorians at least $589 million, with $200 million of that going directly to Glasgow so they could host the Games we were promised.”

Mr McCurdy said the findings of the parliamentary inquiry into the cancellation made it clear; the Games were doomed from the beginning, the direct result of Labor’s mismanagement and Jacinta Allan’s failed leadership.

“We were promised infrastructure, housing, jobs, and a tourism boom, instead, we’ve been left with debt, broken promises, and zero legacy,” he said.

The inquiry found Premier Jacinta Allan was the architect of the failed model. Her refusal to cooperate with the investigation showed clear disregard for accountability and respect for regional communities.

“This was supposed to be our time to shine,” Mr McCurdy said. “Instead, regional Victoria was embarrassed, ignored and left behind, all thanks to Labor.”

Labor can't manage money, and regional Victoria is paying the price.