V8 Car Race Kate And Garry'd

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Media Statement - 9 June 2000

"Hope as we might that the Carnell Government's pattern of mismanagement would be broken one day, the success of the V8 Supercar race has been marred by a budget blow-out Government, Labor Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Berry said today.

"Before the race even started it was $600,000 over-budget according to this year's budget papers - and we have another example looming of the 'Kate and Gary show' which brought you the Futsal Slab, the 'Feel the Power' campaign and the Bruce Stadium fiasco.

"Mismanagement is the hallmark of the Carnell Government and time after time the ACT taxpayer is asked to pick up the tab.

"In the 2000-2001 Budget papers is the revelation that instead of the $2.5m appropriated by the ACT Legislative Assembly for the operating expenditure for the race, $3.1m will be spent this year.

"The Chief Minister and Treasurer Humphries have put their usual stamp on the V8 Supercar race - lots of hype, poor budgeting and no accountability.

"Mrs Carnell and Mr Humphries put great emphasis on extra appropriations to cover unapproved expenditure. Apparently the Government has gone off the idea in this case and will force the V8 Supercar race to start off $600,000 behind next year.

"How many more times do we have to face mismanagement of public money by the Chief Minister and her Treasurer," Mr Berry concluded.