Dear Editor,
The Andrews Labor Government continues to embarrass Victorians with its failed promises.
The cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, set to be hosted across Regional Victoria in 2026, is another example of Labor’s incompetence and inability to manage projects.
Premier Daniel Andrews claimed the Games would have cost Victorians more than $6 billion, which is more than double the initial project estimate Victorians were told.
Just three weeks ago, the Premier said the Commonwealth Games would benefit regional Victoria to the tune of $3 billion, but in cancelling the event today he said it was “all cost and no benefit”. What are we supposed to believe?
This would’ve been a fantastic chance for Regional Victoria. The large investment at the time was expected to create thousands of jobs, including 600 before the start date, 3900 during the games, and 3000 after the closing ceremony.
Due to Labor’s inability to finish projects and care for the needs of Victorians, the plan was scrapped and thrown to the side.
Spruiking the appeal of the Games, Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan and Premier Daniel Andrews offered Victorians the chance to bring tourists, jobs, and more housing. Unfortunately, they have once again let Victorians down.
In place of the Commonwealth Games, the Andrews Government has promised a regional “package of support” in an attempt to cover their huge and costly mistake.
It is especially a sad time for the Latrobe Valley whom Labor has stripped of a much-needed cash investment through “legacy projects’’ which is due to the Commonwealth Games being squashed.
The Labor government continues to make a mockery by being unable to support hardworking Victorians and provide opportunities for the state. Labor are all headline and no deadline.
Andrews appears to make these promises in order to boost his chances of gaining Victorian’s vote during the election, but he is unable to keep them once the ballot has been cast.
Labor’s arrogance and dishonesty only continues to punish honest, hardworking Victorians. These families deserve a government who works for them, not turn their back on them during a deepening cost of living crisis.
Peter Walsh MP
Leader of The Nationals