Victorian Premier John Brumby has confirmed that the state’s taxpayer-funded subsidies for major events have almost doubled to more than $80 million a year under the Labor government over the last decade.
Victorian Premier John Brumby has confirmed major event spending in the state has nearly doubled under the Labor Government
The Victoria’s major events budget, now more than $80 million, has far exceeded the cap placed on it at $35 million annually by former premier Steve Bracks.
The budget includes major events such as the Australian Open, Formula One and Motorcycle Grand Prix, the Australian Masters Golf among numerous other arts, cultural and sporting events.
The information, as reported by the Opposition major events spokeswoman Louise Asher on Sunday night said the excess in the events budget cap showed Labor could not manage major events.
“Despite the former premier’s claims of `discipline and rigour’, he added $5 million a year to the cap in 2000 (to $40 million), presumably to cater for predictable blow-outs,” she said. “Whenever there is a blow-out, the Brumby government simply adjusts the cap.”
The same report also suggested that major events give a $1 billion annual boost to Victorian economy. Major Events Minister Tim Holding said the spending was essential to secure jobs and attract tourists.
