Monday 10th September 2018
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has accused the Andrews Labor Government of hypocrisy over funding of the biggest ski race in the world ‘“ the Southern 80
In State Parliament last week Mr Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren when he is actually going to reinstate the money that his government promised to the Southern 80.
Mr Walsh said that in a press release dated 31 August 2018 the Labor Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp included the Southern 80 in a list of ongoing investment the Labor Government was proud to support.
“The facts are that in 2016 the Andrews Labor Government committed to a sponsorship agreement of $55 000 per year for three years to support the Southern 80.
“The Southern 80 is a massive undertaking run by a dedicated team of volunteers and the withdrawal of the government funding has put the committee under serious financial pressure.
“After only one year of that agreement the government withdrew the funding.
“It is the height of hypocrisy that Mr Gepp would have the public believe his government is providing ongoing financial support to this major event when in fact it is not ” Mr Walsh said.
Media contact ‘“ Wendy Nolan (03) 5482 2039 wendy.nolan@parliament.vic.gov.au
