Hansard debates

Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) (09:57:34) — Melbourne Storm's field of dreams is Broadmeadows. Under a landmark deal the Andrews Labor government will invest $12 million to build a Rugby League centre of excellence in a community that loves its league and has already produced a star for Melbourne Storm. The centre will include new playing fields, high-performance facilities and an administrative base for National Rugby League (NRL) Victoria. It will provide Victoria with a new hub for Rugby League programs and a venue for training and camps at a national and state level.

I also want to congratulate the federal Labor leader, Bill Shorten, who this week announced a further commitment of $1.1 million to this centre. It is because Rugby League in Victoria has experienced enormous growth over the past decade, with participation rates increasing by more than 300 per cent. This investment by hopefully a federal Labor government will also help the women's facilities because this has prevented them from bidding for an NRL women's licence this season. This facility will remove that roadblock.

This comes at a great time. I wish Melbourne Storm all the best in their attempts to win another championship — a fitting farewell to one of the game's all-time greats, Billy Slater. I also look forward to the captain, Cameron Smith — who has already travelled through schools in Broadmeadows with me — again being out there inspiring the next generation of boys and girls to be the best players and world champions in the field of dreams in Broadmeadows.