ACT FEDERAL LABOR TEAM

CATHERINE KING MP
MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

ANDREW BARR MLA 
CHEIF MINISTER OF THE ACT   

LABOR WILL DELIVER $200 MILLION FOR NEW CANBERRA CONVENTION AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE PRECINCT

The Albanese Labor Government and the ACT Labor Government are supporting the growth of the nation’s capital, investing $200 million to green light a new National Convention and Entertainment Precinct and Canberra Aquatic Centre, in Civic.

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered for Canberra in its first term in government with almost $2 billion invested across a range of projects.

Today’s major announcement, made by Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher and Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA, builds on that record and marks the beginning of a project that will boost the local economy, create and sustain jobs and deliver a convention centre that can host major events befitting of a modern national capital.

The project will also deliver a new Canberra Aquatic Centre in the heart of the city, seeing the current Civic Pool upgraded and rehomed in Commonwealth Park.

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $100 million for these two priority projects under the National Capital Investment Framework, including:

• $31.1 million for feasibility and design work, including a detailed business case, for the Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct, allowing the precinct to progress to ‘ready for construction’ stage.
• $68.9 million for the design and construction of the Canberra Aquatic Centre on a new site in Commonwealth Park.

The Federal Government’s investment will be matched by the ACT Government.

This Labor investment marks the beginning of a journey to deliver a venue capable of hosting large-scale summits and conferences as well as sporting and entertainment events.

This project will provide a significant boost to the ACT construction, tourism and hospitality sectors and has been called for by local business groups.

This project is long overdue, but it has taken a Federal Labor Government who is willing to work cooperatively with the ACT Labor Government to deliver a major project that will help to build Canberra’s future.

This announcement follows advocacy from Federal Labor in the ACT, including the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and Labor Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne who last year recommended the Federal Government invest in a new convention centre for the national capital.

Since coming to government, we have been investing in the infrastructure Canberra needs, including crucial funding to our national institutions such as the AIS in Bruce and a new national security precinct.  

Only Labor has a plan to deliver for Canberra and set our great city on a path worthy of the national capital.

This Commonwealth investment is a decision of government that will be reflected in the 2025 PEFO.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator for the ACT the Katy Gallagher:

“This exciting announcement demonstrates exactly what having a strong voice for Canberra inside the Cabinet can deliver for our city.”

“For too long Canberra has put up with a sub-par convention centre that isn’t able to host major summits, conferences or sporting and entertainment events.

“This has not only left our city behind but has limited the potential of our local economy and it is time that changed.”

“We are starting the journey, partnering with the ACT Labor Government, to deliver a world-class National Convention and Entertainment Centre that Canberra and all Australians can be proud of.

“This project will spark renewal in our city centre and stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and breathing new life into the ACT tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Anthony Albanese and Labor are focused on delivering for Canberra while the Liberals under Peter Dutton just want to trash our city and leave Canberrans worse off.

“Labor is putting forward a positive vision to transform our city, support local jobs and build Australia’s future.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA:

“This significant partnership between the Federal and Territory Labor Government’s is delivering for Canberra’s future and growing our local economy.

The new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, located next to the new light rail stops under construction on Commonwealth Avenue, will provide a modern aquatic facility for the Territory and bring more people to Commonwealth Park.

The investment in the new Canberra Aquatic Centre unlocks the land needed to deliver the new Convention and Entertainment Precinct, with a new larger capacity Convention Centre and integrated 8000 seat Entertainment Centre for live music, entertainment, and indoor sporting events.

This precinct will cement Canberra’s place on the live music touring and business event and convention circuits, growing our economy and creating more jobs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor are the only ones focussed on delivering for Canberra.  They are proud of the National Capital, and this investment demonstrates what can be achieved with two Labor Governments working together.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP:

“As the home of many of our most important civic and cultural institutions, the ACT holds a special place in the heart of all Australians – myself included. 

“Canberra needs venues befitting a national capital and that means investing to ensure existing ones are maintained and, where needed, new ones are created.

 “Our investment is making Canberra an even better place to live and work for locals while ensuring that our nation’s capital is supported into the future.”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh:

“An ambitious city deserves infrastructure to match.

“This new convention precinct will position Canberra to compete for major events, grow our visitor economy and deliver dividends for decades.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP:

“Canberra needs a convention centre befitting of a national capital. I have long advocated for a new convention centre including recommending federal funding for it as Chair of the parliamentary inquiry into promoting and fostering the significance of the National Capital. I’m thrilled that today the Albanese Government is delivering on that vision.

“This $200 million investment in a new Convention Centre and Entertainment precinct, along with a brand-new Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, is a game changer for our city. It will support out city’s growth, attract new visitors and investment, and reflect Canberra’s role as a capital for all Australians

“I also want to acknowledge the long and ongoing advocacy of Canberra’s business and tourism community for this – your passion for our city is important and your voices have been heard by our Government.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:

“This is another good example of both Labor Governments working together to deliver important infrastructure for Canberra. These projects will benefit all Canberrans.”