Media Release
Mardi Gras Enjoys Largesse - Community Programs Cut
Thursday, 23rd February 2012
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has raised concern that the NSW Government was cutting funding to important community programs whilst funding for the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras continued unabated.
"There are a lot of people asking questions of this Government at the moment. Why are important community programs having their funding cut when the Government continues to throw money at an exclusive event that offers nothing to the broader community?", asked Rev Fred Nile.
"I've spoken to the likes of Ken Marslew from the anti-violence 'Enough is Enough' and they are pulling their hair out. Since the tragic death of his son 17 years ago, Ken has worked tirelessly to address and mitigate social violence, bullying and other youth problems. He's shared with me a deep frustration with the Government for throwing funds at the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras whilst pulling funds from programs that would provide tangible benefits to all in the community, especially the homosexual community. I share that frustration", Rev Nile stated
Rev Nile raised the issue during question time in the NSW Upper House.
Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: My question is addressed to the Minister for Finance and Services.
-
In view of the Government's transparency policy goal 31, will the Minister provide details of what funds the Government and Destination NSW have committed in support of the '2012 Sydney Mardi Gras'?
-
Does the Government acknowledge that the revenue raised from the event is retained within the homosexual community?
-
Does the Government acknowledge that programs and organisations that are run for the benefit of all in the community have had their funding cut, like the anti-violence organisation 'Enough is Enough', which has just had its funding cut by over $60,000?
-
Can the Government justify why funds are being cut from universally inclusive community programs but not from the '2012 Sydney Mardi Gras' and the associated 'Film Festival'?
|
