Opposition Treasury spokesperson Ben Wyatt has savaged the state government’s handling of the $95 million upgrade of nib Stadium, saying Western Australians will receive “next to nothing” in return for the investment.
Mr Wyatt said documents obtained by Labor under the Freedom of Information Act showed the state had no way to derive revenue from the project, which Mr Wyatt said had not been designed in the interest of stadium users.
“If Western Australians are contributing more than $95million to the redevelopment of the stadium, they would expect an improved outcome for the taxpayer and users of the facility,” Mr Wyatt said.
Mr Wyatt said he was particularly concerned over the handling of the stadium’s management contract, which is held by Nick Tana’s Allia Venue Management.
He said the documets showed Department of Sport and Recreation director general Ron Alexander had lobbied to have the management contract re-negotiated, but was blocked by Liberal Party lobbyists.
“As pointed out by the Director General, the investment of close to $100million into NIB Stadium was an opportunity to renegotiate the management contract to ensure WA taxpayers obtained some benefit,” Mr Wyatt said.
“It is clear the Director General wanted to renegotiate the management contract but was stymied by Liberal Party lobbyists representing the manager, who ensured the existing contract was maintained.
“Even more disturbing, the direction not to seek to renegotiate the management contract came from the Premier himself.”
Mr Wyatt said the government had squandered a massive opportunity by not negotiating a better outcome for the state.
