[Greens-Media] Govt keeps V8 Olympic Park contract and economic benefits study under wraps

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 22 October 2008

V8 Supercars at Olympic Park: Macdonald keeps contract and economic benefits study under wraps

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the government's refusal today to release the contract governing the deal to bring V8 Supercar racing to Olympic Park, and the modelling behind the government's claim that $100 million in economic benefits will flow from the event, on the grounds they are 'commercial in confidence' is a blow to openness and accountability.

The Minister for State Development Ian MacDonald told Ms Rhiannon in Question Time that the contract and modelling would not be released.  On 27 September 2008 the government voted against a Greens motion to make public any reports prepared or received by government in relation to the event.

"The government has failed to consult with the community about this event and now it's keeping important documents under lock and key to avoid scrutiny," Ms Rhiannon said.

Amendments to the NSW Freedom of Information Act require government contracts with the private sector worth over $5 million to be publicly disclosed from April 2007. The Auditor-General has previously criticised the government for failing to adequately follow its own guidelines for disclosing contracts with the private sector.

"Premier Rees and Minister MacDonald are free to make wild claims about the event and its supposed economic benefits while denying opponents the ability to examine key documentation.

"The government wants the public to wear the economic, social and environmental costs of this event but is not willing to let them in on the finer details of this controversial deal.

"The community have a right to ask what is the government hiding?

"The NSW Ombudsman has for years criticised the government for using 'commercial-in-confidence' provisions to avoid scrutiny.

"The new premier seems unwilling to try throw off the reputation of the Carr and Iemma governments for secrecy.

"The decision to allow V8 Supercar racing at Olympic Park is unpalatable but this refusal to release details of the deal leaves an even worst taste in the mouth," Ms Rhiannon said.

Ms Rhiannon met with the NSW Auditor-General late last week. He agreed to consider conducting a review of the event as part of his 2009 activities.

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


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