Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) Share this | Hansard source

Shepparton, in my electorate, has a thriving visitor economy. The pillars of this are an important part of our economy, our arts and exhibitions and our sport. Shepparton Art Museum, or SAM, funded by a coalition government, is currently drawing people to see Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio, a selection of Whiteley's works across various media, including painting, drawing and sculpture.

From 13 September, the Museum of Vehicle Evolution, a great attraction, also funded by a coalition government, opens a new exhibition, Art in Motion, showcasing vehicles so refined that they are indeed works of art. The Shepparton BMX Track will host the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships.

There is a missing link, though. The Shepparton Sports Stadium was built in the seventies, and it can't host major events. The 2026 Commonwealth Games was a chance to change that, until it was squandered by the Victorian Labor government, who will instead pay Edinburgh and Glasgow $200 million to host our games.

There is still a chance, though. The Albanese government must put vital funding into the Growing Regions Program so that the proposed Shepparton sports and events centre and many other important regional projects have an opportunity to seek funding. We in the regions need funding programs to deliver the infrastructure required. So the challenge to you, Labor government, is to put some money into growing regions. Don't just talk about letting the regions thrive; make it happen.

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