The Victorian Government’s reinvestment in the Australian Open will bring Melbourne back into contention as the leading host of Grand Slam tennis.

The Victorian Government is spending $363 million revamping the Margaret Court Arena and spectator facilities in the biggest revamp since the Open shifted from Kooyong 20 years ago.

“Melbourne Park was beginning to look a little tired and starting to slip behind the other Grand Slam  facilities in the US and Europe”, says VEIC Chair Peter Jones.

“Other cities in the Asia-Pacific were also circling with a mind to nabbing this region’s Grand Slam tennis event - this timely re-investment will banish the pretenders and put Melbourne back at the front of the international Grand Slam pack.

“The Australian Open is the Southern Hemisphere’s most valuable major event, adding around $160 million to the Australian economy, with one third of ticket sales being attributed to interstate and overseas patrons.

“It is a family-friendly event that positions Melbourne exceptionally well.

“In line with this image and the recent investment, however, security needs to be ramped up, with enhanced entry exclusions and lifetime bans for unruly behaviour.

“Just as the value of our international education market is being eaten away by unchecked savagery in the form of street violence, the value of major events such as the Australian Open could be eroded by racially-based hooliganism.

“The sight of young hooligans making Nazi salutes was sickening and does nothing for our international reputation as a tolerant, multicultural city.

“We have been lucky that previous violent and foolish incidents, such as racially-based brawls and the release of flares, have not injured anybody seriously.

“A strong clampdown is needed now to prevent any major incidents, including injuries.

“Banning troublemakers from the duration of the tournament is a laughable and weak punishment – they should be banned for life.

“Tennis players from relevant countries should be enlisted before the tournament to inform various groups that idiotic behaviour passed off as barracking is neither needed nor wanted.

“After a number of years of violent incidents, only a much tougher series of measures will get the message across”, says Jones.

Background - what is VEIC

Established in December 2006, VEIC is the peak policy council representing Victoria’s $2.4 billion event industry.

To arrange media interviews with VEIC Chairman Peter Jones, call Megan Cox on (0423) 883 945.