Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026 Reception

In the time it took me to read those acknowledgments, cars would have been able to complete their qualifying lap around the 5.3-kilometre Albert Park Circuit.

That’s not just a reflection of their speed – but also an indication of the number of distinguished guests here tonight, and the significance of this event for the State of Victoria.

I would also like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this House stands – the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Eastern Kulin Nation – and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

That the Albert Park Circuit is situated where it is today did not happen by chance.

The track encompasses what was once an ancient lagoon – one that has been there for millennia, having weathered countless seasons and experienced many droughts and floods.

Before European settlement of our State, it formed part of a large wetlands area that was also a ceremonial gathering place for generations of First Peoples.

In 1864, the colonial government proclaimed the surrounding area as a public park and named it in honour of Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert.

In 1890, the Yarra River was diverted to flood the lagoon and create the now iconic lake.

In 1953, Albert Park hosted its first Australian Grand Prix, and, in March 1996, with a rebuilt circuit, it held its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix – now three decades ago.

In the Eastern Kulin seasonal calendar, this time of year marks ‘eel season’ where temperatures cool and short-finned eel would have once been harvested from the ancient lagoon.

Now, at the beginning of autumn each year, Albert Park experiences a new type of seasonal marker.

Over a matter of weeks, grandstands are erected, barriers put in place, and the 40km/h speed limits around the roads are temporarily ignored.

Huge numbers of visitors arrive from across the country and the world to bear witness to the spectacle that follows.

For 30 years now, Albert Park has undergone this annual transformation.

In the process, it has become an integral part of Victoria’s major events calendar.

It brings as much international flavour as the Melbourne Park Precinct does with Australian Open in the height of summer.

It brings as much colour and vibrancy as Flemington does during the Spring Racing Carnival.

And it brings as much noise and (almost as much) passion as you can find at the MCG during football finals season.

Across these three decades, Albert Park has ingrained itself into the identity of this State and its people.

That it has done so is testament to the efforts of all those who have contributed to its success over the years.

The fact that Melbourne is entrusted with hosting the opening of the Formula 1 season is credit to the confidence that its organisers will continue to deliver.

As Albert Park undergoes this annual ritual once again, I send my best wishes to everyone who plays a role in making it possible.

This weekend, hundreds of thousands of spectators will congregate around the ancient lagoon, as 11 teams put their cars and drivers to the test as they race around its circumference.

And while the autumn colours have yet to fully arrive in Melbourne, I’m sure we can expect to see an abundance of papaya orange as Victorians cheer on their local hero, Oscar Piastri.

Thank you, and good luck to all involved.

I now invite Minister Dimopoulos to address us.

Thank you.