Page 1294 - Week 04 - Thursday, 10 April 2008
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MR BARR: Let me reiterate, for the benefit of Mr Smyth, who really struggles with this issue, that the level of government contribution is $70,000. The budget for the event, though, will be greater than that because there are other sources of support for the event—namely, sponsors. Those sponsors, as I indicated yesterday, are supporting the event and providing cash sponsorship and also in-kind support. And the event will continue to receive the same sorts of in-kind support that it has received from the ACT government throughout its 22-year history. So it is of no surprise to anyone that Australian Capital Tourism is promoting the event on its website, as it did for the six years when it was run by the Canberra Balloon Fiesta Inc., and as it did for the previous 16 years of the event.
There is no change to the arrangements in terms of in-kind support from the ACT government. We have always provided it, and we always will, because it is simply a fact that this event is not viable without significant government assistance. But we have set that level of assistance in cash terms at $70,000. That was the budget for the event. The in-kind support has varied from year to year.
Mrs Dunne: That is your cash contribution. What is the whole budget?
MR SPEAKER: Order, Mrs Dunne!
MR BARR: In 2006, when it was run by CBF, my understanding is that Tourism staff did on-the-ground marshalling and provided nearly $100,000 worth of in-kind support. That is an example of the ACT government’s involvement in this event. But it is worth noting that we have, through our partnership with these sponsors, an enhanced budget for the event, and that the ACT government’s contribution is $70,000.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth?
MR SMYTH: Minister, how could the Chief Minister and you approve the new balloon event when there is no business case, no budget and nothing in writing? And, if you now have a budget, will you table it by close of business today?
MR BARR: Quite simply, as I indicated previously, we had three options. We went with either an inferior event or no event at all, or choose the option we did, which was to put together this event. If the budget is available, I am happy to table that for Mr Smyth. What I can table shortly—and I will at the conclusion of my answer, in four minutes and 36 seconds—
MR SPEAKER: It is not compulsory.
MR BARR: is to indicate the nature of activities as part of the national autumn balloon spectacular. From 6.30 each morning, starting on 19 April, we will see on the lawns of Old Parliament House a balloon village. Each day will have a separate theme. On Saturday the 19th it will kick off with Canberra’s 500-voice choir before their major performance as part of the—
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