Shadow Minister for Major Events, Joshua Burgoyne, says the decision by the Gunner Government to scrap next year’s Masters Games because of the Chief Minister’s shocking fiscal mismanagement shows Labor couldn’t care less about investing in Central Australia.
“The Gunner Government has found ways to deliver other major events in Darwin and the Top End – including major music festivals like BassInTheGrass which attracted a crowd of 10,000 – yet can’t deliver for Alice Springs. Territory businesses have been hit hard by COVID. Government’s lack of support for business, tourism and Territorians, coupled with the uncertainty for event organisers beyond the Berrimah Line is just another kick in the guts for Central Australia.
“This announcement is devastating for businesses because one less event on the calendar means Alice Springs misses out on the large crowds the Masters Games attracts. That has a devastating flow on effect for the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors, which stand to lose between $7 million and $10 million. The reality is, this is about cost – not COVID. The cancellation of next year’s Masters Games is another example of the global pandemic being used as a scapegoat for the Gunner Labor Government’s failures.
“Michael Gunner maxed out the credit card, so Labor can’t afford to host the Alice Springs Masters Games in 2022. Labor knows the economic benefits of the Masters Games – spruiking the $8.4 million economic injection in a 2009 media release from then-Minister Karl Hampton. Major Events Minister Natasha Fyles should know, she was the media advisor to the then-Minister.
“Labor’s eye watering level of debt is punishing Territorians and hurting our lifestyle. The Masters Games’ athletes, volunteers and spectators are the latest victims of Labor’s deepening budget black hole, and comes after the Arafura Games was put on the chopping block back in July.
“If Labor hadn’t gifted $12 million for the dodgy grandstand deal – a pet project in Michael Gunner’s own electorate – paid out $35 million to teenage criminals in Don Dale, spent $4 million on a playground at Myilly Point, or $3 million on the useless Cavenagh Street shade structure perhaps the Gunner Government would have enough money to support the Alice Springs Masters Games so it can continue to be the premier event of Masters on the Territory sporting calendar,” said Mr Burgoyne.
ENDS