Ballarat’s Her Majesty’s Theatre is in need of urgent structural repairs to be safe for performers, patrons and visitors, and the Andrews Labor government is committed to saving it. I am calling on the Federal Government to provide the $5 million to complete this project. We need the Morrison Coalition to put in their fair share to ensure the future of our national treasure.

Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (10:00:25): Ballarat’s Her Majesty’s Theatre is in need of urgent structural repairs to be safe for performers, patrons and visitors, and the Andrews Labor government is committed to saving it.

Her Maj was opened in 1875 and is a beloved icon of our city. Our glorious theatre represents the opulence of the 19th century goldfields era. It is irreplaceable. The theatre is home to the Royal South Street Society’s eisteddfod, which attracts 11 000 competitors to Ballarat for 100 days of competitions each year and which provides a huge boost for our local economy. It is also utilised by touring professionals, local productions, schools and ballet schools for their end-of-year recitals.

The Andrews Labor government will deliver $10 million of the $22.3 million required to save this grand old theatre. I am pleased that the City of Ballarat has committed $5.3 million and HeritageVictoria has already committed $2 million.

However, the project is $5 million short. The federal Labor member for Ballarat, the Honourable Catherine King, promised the money, but the Liberal Party has refused to match the funding. They have remained silent on this. I am calling on the federal government to provide the $5 million to complete this project. We need the Morrison coalition to put in their fair share to ensure the future of our national treasure.

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