[Greens-Media] Greens secure release of World Youth Day Costs

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release -  9 April 2008

Greens secure release of World Youth Day Costs

NSW Greens MP and youth spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today won support for
the release of previously secret documents outlining the estimated costs
to the NSW government of World Youth Day, requiring their production
within 14 days.

"The Iemma government has repeatedly refused to detail the estimated
costs of World Youth Day but Treasurer Michael Costa is now required to
do the proper thing and let the public in on the secret," Ms Rhiannon
said.

"The turnaround in the government's position is both welcome and
surprising. 

"I hope Treasurer Costa is not counting on withholding documents by
declaring them privileged, as his government often does to avoid proper
scrutiny.

"World Youth Day is now two months away and the government should avoid
stalling.

"The Greens' motion requires the government to release documents
quantifying the estimated cost of planning, co-ordinating and delivering
government services – whether in the form of direct costs or in-kind
support – within 14 days. [Full motion below].

"The motion also requires the release of a report commissioned by the
Department of State and Regional Development on the expected economic
benefits of World Youth Day, previously refused after a FOI request.

"While the Greens welcome World Youth Day, we believe the public has a
right to know how much public money is being spent on the festivities,"
Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 

Motion as passed
123. Ms Rhiannon to move-
That, under standing order 52, there be laid upon the table of the
House within 14 days of the date of passing of this resolution the
following documents in the possession, custody or control of the
Treasurer, NSW Treasury, the Premier or the Department of Premier and
Cabinet:
(a) any document that quantifies the estimated cost to the Government
of the planning, coordination and/or delivery of government services for
the purposes of staging World Youth Day 2008, including direct costs or
in-kind support in relation to:
(i) the operations and staffing of the World Youth Day Co-ordination
Authority, (ii) papal security and policing, including the establishment
of the World Youth Day Security Command, (iii) accommodation of
pilgrims, (iv) public transport arrangements, (v) health education for
pilgrims, (vi) traffic measures and road closures, including the Sydney
Harbour Bridge, (vii) ambulance, first aid and other health care
services, (viii) maritime services, (ix) promotion and tourism, (x)
disability services, (xi) New South Wales public servants volunteering
for the purposes of World Youth Day , (xii) compensation to the
Australian Jockey Club and the racing industry for the use of Randwick
Racecourse, (xiii) the use of public parks and public spaces and ensuing
restoration costs, including the use of Centennial Park, East Darling
Harbour and Hyde Park, and
(b) the report commissioned by the Department of State and Regional
Development on the expected economic benefits to NSW of World Youth
Day.




Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au