Discrimination Against Disabled At Olympics - Carnell Must Intervene

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Events

Media Statement - 12 September 2000

Today's announcement by the ACT's Olympics 2000 chief on ABC radio that Olympics disabled car parking will 'come at a cost' has exposed the Carnell Government to accusations of discrimination, Labor Shadow Tourism and Events Minister Wayne Berry said today.

According to Kate Carnell (see attached letter) 'there is no charge for disabled parking at Bruce Stadium events like Raiders, Brumbies and Cosmos games.

"How mercenary can you get." Mr Berry said.

"The Carnell Government boasts a kind and caring image at every possible picture opportunity but you don't have to scratch very deep to expose this government's hypocrisy.

'Why were people with disabilities overlooked in the Olympics dash for cash.

"Surely the few, miserable dollars collected from those with disabilities could have been dispensed with in Kate Carnell's desperate attempts to bolster Olympic revenue from the markedly increased parking costs.

"Kate Carnell's Olympics might be green (with a few brown patches) but 'kind and caring' they are not.

"Kate Carnell must intervene immediately to ensure free parking for people with disabilities the same as she provides at other sporting events at Bruce Stadium," Mr Berry concluded.