The Federal Member for Higgins, Peter Costello, welcomed the opening of the National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which was funded by the previous Coalition Government.

“Total funding by the Australian Government for the National Sports Museum is $25 million. In April 2006, I announced the first grant of $15 million and a further $10 million was allocated in the Budget for 2006-07 to facilitate interactive features”, Mr Costello said.

“The National Sports Museum will be a national focal point for achievements and values in sport. It will serve as an inspiration to the youth of Australia to be active, set goals and achieve them”, Mr Costello said.

The Museum will be the permanent home of:

• The Sport Australia Hall of Fame;
• Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum;
• Australian Cricket Hall of Fame;
• The Melbourne Cricket Club Museum.

“I welcome the fact that the AFL has included its Hall of Fame to the project”, Mr Costello said.

“The National Sports Museum will showcase and celebrate the achievements and values of Australian sport. It will protect and preserve the nation’s sporting heritage”, Mr Costello said.

“The Museum will open its doors tomorrow is a major national institution and an important visitor attraction for Melbourne”, Mr Costello said.