John Barilaro, New South Wales deputy premier has offered his state as a temporary host for major sporting events including the Australian Open if they cannot be held in Melbourne as a result of coronavirus, which has seen a spike, in the state.
Barilaro, while speaking in a radio interview on Friday, said he had informed sports bodies in Victoria offering to stage the events, which are important for the Australian economy, as they hold national significance.
He said the state of new south wales should be able to work with Victorians to find ways to host safe sports in the country.
The first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open, which has been played in Melbourne since 1972, will take place January next year and Tennis Australia has said organizers have not drawn up contingency plans for the tournament to be moved out of Victoria.
The state of Victoria is currently on a second lockdown and has nearly 8,000 active COVID-19 cases.