The NSW deputy premier says he'd be more than happy for major Victorian sports events such as tennis’ Australian Open, the AFL grand final and the spring horse racing carnival to shift north of the Murray as Victoria battles its COVID-19 outbreak.
With Melbourne in stage-four lockdown and recording hundreds of new virus cases each day, John Barilaro on Aug 7 said it was important major Australian sports events took place.
He said he'd written to relevant sporting organisations and to ministers in the Victorian government to offer support, including the relocation of sports events.
“Some of these events down in Victoria are national events hosted in Victoria,” Barilaro told 2GB radio.
“It’s important for the economy, important for the Australian psyche when it comes to sport.
“Absolutely we should be able to work with Victorians to find ways to make sure these all happen, these events are far too important in this crisis to not have.”
It comes after a spectator at the A-League football match between Newcastle Jets and Western United on Sunday was later confirmed to have COVID-19.
All 2570 spectators at the match in Newcastle have been advised to monitor for respiratory symptoms.
