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World Youth Day cost blowout: independent review needed
Thursday 27 November 2008
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the NSW Auditor-General, not the government, should conduct an independent performance audit of World Youth Day because the government cannot be trusted to provide an impartial, comprehensive evaluation of the event.
The Auditor General today recommended that the government undertake a
cost benefit review of its involvement in World Youth Day.
"It
is not in the public interest to let the government conduct a
post-event review of World Youth Day, as recommended by the
Auditor-General today," Ms Rhiannon said.
"The history of this
government suggests an internal post-event review would be shabby and
unhelpful. A thorough review into all aspects of World Youth Day 2008
by an independent body like the Auditor General is required.
"In
June this year I met with the Auditor-General to ask him to conduct a
performance review to delve into the effectiveness, efficiency and
economy of agencies involved in organising the event.
"The
Auditor-General has powers to conduct a performance audit and
investigate allegations of serious and substantial waste of public
money.
"There are many aspects of World Youth Day 2008 that
deserve to be put under the microscope, not just why the final cost was
six times the original budget estimate.
"The Auditor-General
could analyse whether the additional APEC like police powers given were
excessive or appropriate, and uncover the full story behind the
decision to use Randwick racecourse for the papal mass and the
resulting compensation deal.
"Mr Achterstraat's office could
also examine the continued failure of the government to publicly
release key reports and papers detailing predicted costs and benefits,
despite repeated demands before the event was held.
"The Rees
government is keen to put Sydney back on the events circuit. The flawed
decision to bring V8 supercar racing to Olympic Park is a prime example.
"A
proper independent evaluation of World Youth Day by the Auditor General
is important to learn lessons for the future of this state," Ms
Rhiannon said.
For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
The
Auditor General's financial audit of World Youth Day 2008 is at:
http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/financial/2008/vol5/pdf/123_1469_world_youth_day_co-ordination_authority.pdf
