Confirmation
from Liberal Minister Felix Ellis that $370,000 has already been spent by the
organisers of the Longford Grand Prix Expo raises serious questions about the
government’s use of taxpayers’ money and what controls are in place to ensure
it is used appropriately.
The people of
Longford and the Northern Midlands worked very hard to come up with the concept
for this event and it’s now been announced by event organisers DX Industries
that the event is not going ahead.
Events Minister
Nic Street needs to explain what $370,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on.
Where was the
oversight by Minister Street to ensure that the money was being spent properly
and how were the grant recipients able to spend that much money before it
became apparent that the event may not proceed?
The event was
announced with much fanfare in August by Minister Street saying, “The Longford
GPX aims to celebrate Longford’s rich history, as well as showcasing the future
of motorsport through car and bike shows within the heart of Longford’s town
centre.”
The people of the Northern Midlands have been completely dudded by the event organisers and by a Minister who is not across his portfolio.
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader and Member for Lyons
