COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026
45. Mr P.J. RUNDLE to the Minister for Sport and
Recreation:
I have a supplementary question.
Minister, what industry consultation was taken before this decision was made,
or was it a captain's call from the Premier?
Mr D.A.
TEMPLEMAN replied:
I
will tell the member one thing: when we look at what is value for money and
value for the Western Australian community, we do it in a way unlike the
previous government when the member's party was in government. The
previous government blew the budget last time. It blew it out of the park. When
we came to government in 2017, the previous Liberal–National government
had left us with an increasing debt, increasing deficits and a parlous
situation for the economy. Within two years in government, we had rebuilt the
economy. Trajectories of employment, business confidence and lower unemployment
were all in positive territory for the McGowan government. That was done in
only two years. Then the original versions of COVID came, and we demonstrated
that we are the best state that has handled that and, indeed, with the strongest economy. The indicators show that
the economy of Western Australia is in great shape.
Let me say this to the member: he
might have thought bubbles and ideas about what sorts of events might be required, but he must also make sure he has a very
strong backing economically and also that he leaves a legacy. That
includes, for example, investment in infrastructure. As the member knows, in a four-year
program, if there are to be lead-in times for major events, it must be ensured
that there are good lead-in times that can be delivered too. The fact is that Western Australia will continue
to explore a range of events into the future, both sporting and cultural,
because we know that we will put on a great show. I can assure Western Australians
that we are always seeking opportunities into the future. At this stage, the
Commonwealth Games in 2026 is not considered an option, but that does not rule
out a Commonwealth Games in the future and, indeed, perhaps even something
bigger.