2015-10-22
Greens MP Sue Pennicuik says the Andrews Government made a costly mistake extending the Grand Prix contract, with new information showing the 2015 event lost a record $61 million of taxpayer money.
“New information shows that the 2015 Grand Prix lost a record amount of taxpayer money,” Sue Pennicuik said.
"Successive governments have misrepresented the economic benefits of the race in an effort to justify huge losses. The Grand Prix Corporation’s own figures show these losses are growing each year, and will continue to grow.
"The Government knows the case for this event doesn't stack up, which is why they refuse to make the contract public or force the event to accurately count attendances.
“Observers tell us that attendances are dropping and sponsorships are harder to get, which is why the taxpayer is picking up the burden.
"Dan Andrews entered into a secret deal handing over more taxpayer funds to keep the race in Melbourne. This deal will cost taxpayers close to half a billion dollars over the next eight years," Ms Pennicuik said.
Contact - Alistair 0425 792 532