The Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has expressed his dismay that with the condition the State is in the NSW State Labor Government has continued to donate a significant amount of tax dollars to prosperous commercial entities like New Mardi Gras Ltd.

“I’m extremely disappointed that with the condition the State of NSW is in, with the economy heading into recession and continuing worldwide economic downturn, our State Government still believes that a public parade of a few scantily clad individuals making a political statement is more important than the health and well being of the community at large. In these economic times, Mums and Dads are entitled to expect their hard earned tax dollars to spent on improving the State’s health, eduction and transport systems, not fritted away to placate a vocal minority. It’s a sad indictment of this government that when it comes to fiscal priority, our suffering state runs a distant second to minority politics,” stated Rev Fred Nile.

Rev Nile raised the issue during question time in the NSW Parliament:

Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: I wish to ask the Minister for Police, representing the Hon. John Della Bosca, who represents the Premier, a question without notice.

• On 11 November 2008 I asked a question regarding tax dollars being donated to New Mardi Gras Ltd despite that commercial organisation making an estimated profit of over half a million dollars, which this year will be used for the 2009 Mardi Gras parade which will ridicule the Christian Church, the Catholic Sisters and Princess Mary of Denmark.

• Does the Minister acknowledge that the economic situation has changed dramatically both within New South Wales and internationally and that all proposed expenditure should be reviewed?

• What will the Sydney Mardi Gras 2009 cost New South Wales taxpayers and the City of Sydney ratepayers through grants and special facilities such as police, security and road closures?

• Will the Government cancel the remaining and future funding for New Mardi Gras Ltd and invest the much-needed funds in Hospitals, Schools, Emergency Services and Infrastructure?

The Hon. Tony Kelly: There are parts of that question that I will certainly pass on to the Premier. The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a popular iconic Sydney event that attracts large numbers of participants and tens of thousands of spectators to Sydney each year. This event is the highlight of the gay and lesbian calendar and is a community-supported event. Many police officers attend in a personal capacity and the New South Wales Police Force is officially represented in the parade by the gay and lesbian liaison officers, who march each year as a positive statement to the gay and lesbian community. These officers are a vital arm of the organisation, assisting local area commands with the investigation of crimes against gays and lesbians as well as working with the community to maintain positive relationships.

Oxford Street will be an alcohol-free zone during the parade this Saturday and police will be focusing on alcohol and drug-related offences. The New South Wales Police Force's Operation Bolten will employ a contingent of about 800 police during the event, both in uniform and plain clothes, all working to ensure public safety and keep the peace. This will include officers from general duties, the mounted police unit, dog squad, Polair, licensing, commuter crime unit, highway patrol, and public order and riot squad officers. Participants and spectators at the Mardi Gras parade deserve to enjoy the event without being harassed by drunk or antisocial elements. The organisers of the parade work closely with police to ensure a successful and celebratory event. Police will not tolerate any antisocial or unlawful behaviour. I will pass other parts of the question to the Premier.
 

For Media Interviews contact: Rev Fred Nile (02) 9230 2478 or 0418 619 731
Research Assistant: David Copeland (02) 9230 2978

 Christian Democratic Party, GPO Box 141, Sydney NSW 2001.
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