ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar, when we remember the selfless sacrifice made by our service men and women in operations across the world.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it is beyond comprehension how the Minns Labor Government allowed the situation around the Pandemonium music festival to be so badly handled.
“It is a clear leadership failure by Chris Minns and his inept government that an event which has been advertised for weeks and reportedly in contract negotiations for months had not been appropriately handled,” Mr Speakman said.
“Having had to scramble today, Chris Minns has now said that it would not be appropriate for major rock concerts to be held anywhere in NSW on the day, making it unclear whether he supports the NRL and other sporting fixtures planned for ANZAC Day.”
“Chris Minns needs to be upfront and explain whether taxpayers’ money will now have to be paid in compensation to the festival, because of the Labor Government’s mishandling of this situation.”
Shadow Minister for Veterans Robyn Preston said the lack of awareness by the Minns ministers of this situation shows once again that they are out of their depth.
“Chris Minns has once again had to clean up after his team, while his Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Veterans and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy all seem to be missing,” Ms Preston said.
“ANZAC Day is a solemn day to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our service men and women. Australia has lost over 100,000 lives in wars and peacekeeping roles, and we owe them and their families our deepest respect.”
“I hope all communities across NSW join us in honouring this day.”