In senate estimates hearings today, Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Lundy, was told that the Sports Minister’s Drug Summit, held in Sydney in November, cost taxpayers over a million dollars.
“There is no justification for this expense given that no official communique was signed by the 27 Olympic nations attending. Instead, merely a resolution by delegates from the floor supporting a negotiated motherhood statement on drugs in sport was endorsed”, Senator Lundy said.
“In another blatant waste, approximately 500 guests attended a taxpayer funded Gala Dinner hosted by the Minister, although there were only 160 conference participants.
“With an estimated cost of $50,000 for this function alone, this outrageous expense would save at least one Olympic sport program currently facing the funding axe.
“This glamorous and expensive event was constructed to give a platform to a struggling Minister.
“The Drug Summit was all about Jackie Kelly being seen to be doing something.
“The Minister previously refused to attend the IOC Drug Summit, apparently on the grounds that it would save taxpayers money. Obviously such fiscal restraint is no longer a priority!
“Genuine global consensus about anti-doping policies and control of anti-doping agencies is no closer despite the enormous expense of Ms Kelly’s Drug Summit.
“An opportunity to show strong and effective leadership has been squandered.
“The Minister has constantly avoided answering tough policy questions about sport and drugs in sport.
The Sports Minister’s International Drug Summit was a massive waste of taxpayers money, with over $1 million being spent on a glorified talkfest, Senator Lundy said.
106/99.Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-62773334 or 0418 488295
