Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has defended the government’s spending on the Commonwealth Games after his Western Australian counterpart Mark McGowan criticized the state’s costs.
Daniel Andrews has defended the government’s spending on the Commonwealth Games following criticism from Western Australian Prime Minister McGowan over GST funding.
Mr McGowan on Wednesday highlighted the Andrews government, saying the state should better manage its budget amid a long-running dispute over GST cuts.
“We decided not to go to the Commonwealth Games because we didn’t want, in an uncertain world, to go spend $ 2.5 billion on something that’s‘ nice to have ’,” he said.
“What we want to do is properly fund our hospitals, treat major health issues, pay off debt (and) diversify the economy.”
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When asked about Mr. McGowan on Thursday, Mr. Andrews responded by saying, “I’m not here to have childish discussions with the Prime Minister of any other state or anyone.”
“All I can say is that none of my top colleagues should expect me to ever stop arguing for a fair share for our state. It’s a big part of my job and will continue to do so.”
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has repeatedly said that he is changing under the current distribution of the GST and has called for a reform of the system.
Under the special agreement reached by Scott Morrison in 2018, Western Australia receives the highest share of GST revenue, at least 70 cents for every dollar it contributes.
Andrews said his thoughts on the GST were well known, but said he would not waste time with Mr. Andrews’ comments. McGowan.
“Prime Minister McGowan has had a few things to say it’s okay, we’ll just get started and offer the best Commonwealth Games that ever create jobs, that show the regional Victory in the world,” he said.
“I have known Mark McGowan for a long time, I have a very high esteem for him, one of the reasons I have a very high esteem for him is that he defends his status.
“I like people like that, that’s the way I work and I respect that. That doesn’t mean we always agree.”
Victoria will spend $ 2.6 billion in preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.
Andrews said the upcoming games will be very different from the event held in Melbourne in 2006 as it will show the regional Victory.
“The Commonwealth Games will be an absolutely exceptional event,” he said.
“Billions and billions of dollars in economic benefits, thousands of jobs and exhibits, what could I say, is the most beautiful part of the region of Australia, which is the Victoria region, in the world.
“That’s why we chased him, that’s why we got him and that’s why we’ll deliver him unsurpassed.”