❓ Mr. McGrath questions the cost-benefit analysis of selling Perth Stadium's naming rights to Optus. The Premier defends the decision, citing financial necessity due to inherited debt and highlighting the competitive tender process and benefits to taxpayers.
AnsweredQoN 641Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PERTH STADIUM — NAMING
RIGHTS
641. Mr J.E. McGRATH to the
Premier:
My interest in the
sport of kings has been rekindled!
Before asking my
question, on behalf of the member for Dawesville, I would like to recognise the
staff and students of Falcon Primary School who are in the Speaker's
gallery.
It is interesting
that the Premier mentioned that one of the people going on his visit to China
and Japan will be a representative of Optus, and also the fact that his
government has announced that the naming rights to the new Perth Stadium have
been sold or will be sold to Optus.
(1)
Did the government undertake a cost–benefit analysis for this sale in
terms of value for tourism and value out of the stadium or what Optus could
provide, apart from the money it is putting up?
(2)
If that did not happen, is the Premier telling the people of Western Australia
that a basic commercial evaluation was not carried out before selling the
naming rights to this great Western Australian asset that is soon to be opened?
Mr P. Papalia : That was longer than your inaugural, mate!
Mr J.E. McGRATH : I am ''rekindled''!
RIGHTS
641. Mr J.E. McGRATH to the
Premier:
My interest in the
sport of kings has been rekindled!
Before asking my
question, on behalf of the member for Dawesville, I would like to recognise the
staff and students of Falcon Primary School who are in the Speaker's
gallery.
It is interesting
that the Premier mentioned that one of the people going on his visit to China
and Japan will be a representative of Optus, and also the fact that his
government has announced that the naming rights to the new Perth Stadium have
been sold or will be sold to Optus.
(1)
Did the government undertake a cost–benefit analysis for this sale in
terms of value for tourism and value out of the stadium or what Optus could
provide, apart from the money it is putting up?
(2)
If that did not happen, is the Premier telling the people of Western Australia
that a basic commercial evaluation was not carried out before selling the
naming rights to this great Western Australian asset that is soon to be opened?
Mr P. Papalia : That was longer than your inaugural, mate!
Mr J.E. McGRATH : I am ''rekindled''!
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) The Minister for Sport and Recreation today
announced that the government has been successful in selling the naming rights
to the stadium, and from this point forward it will be known as Optus Stadium.
The government went through a competitive tender process and selected the
bidder that provided the best value return to the taxpayers of Western Australia.
I must say that although it is commercial-in-confidence, there is a very,
very significant return to the taxpayers of the state from this arrangement.
The arrangement itself is not uncommon. In fact, we have nib Stadium and Domain
Stadium here in Western Australia; around the stadium itself we have the Chevron
Parkland, which the former government sold; and under the watch of the former
government, Domain Stadium changed from Subiaco to Domain. It is not unusual
for this occur. The government basically took the view that although it would
be nice to retain the name ''Perth Stadium'', in the financial
circumstances that the Liberal Party left the people of Western Australia,
there was no alternative but to secure maximum value from the name of the
stadium.
I also indicate to
the people of the state, and perhaps to the opposition, that we were very clear
prior to the state election that this is what we would be doing. We were very
clear that this is what we would be doing. Optus itself will offer a range of
services to patrons of the stadium, and those telecommunications services, apps
and the like that it provides to people attending events at the stadium will be
world-leading.
But let us just get
this straight. The former Liberal–National government left this state
with $40 billion of additional debt.
Several members
interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We have to address that. Although at times —
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Premier.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : They left us with $40 billion of additional debt, and although
at times it is unpleasant, we have to take steps to address that. I think most
people understand.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members, the question has been asked. I want to hear the answer.
If anyone else interjects and just rabbles on, I will call them to order.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : Most people understand that they can go to stadia around
Australia and the world and they have commercial naming arrangements that bring
benefit to the taxpayers of those particular states. In Western Australia, it
has been the case for a long period of time. For the benefit of members who did
not listen to what said I before, we have nib Stadium and Domain Stadium and we
will have Optus Stadium. Everyone knows that it is in Perth and it will provide
a benefit to the taxpayers. We look forward to ensuring that Western Australians
have a first-rate experience, and this arrangement will ensure that that
happens as well.
announced that the government has been successful in selling the naming rights
to the stadium, and from this point forward it will be known as Optus Stadium.
The government went through a competitive tender process and selected the
bidder that provided the best value return to the taxpayers of Western Australia.
I must say that although it is commercial-in-confidence, there is a very,
very significant return to the taxpayers of the state from this arrangement.
The arrangement itself is not uncommon. In fact, we have nib Stadium and Domain
Stadium here in Western Australia; around the stadium itself we have the Chevron
Parkland, which the former government sold; and under the watch of the former
government, Domain Stadium changed from Subiaco to Domain. It is not unusual
for this occur. The government basically took the view that although it would
be nice to retain the name ''Perth Stadium'', in the financial
circumstances that the Liberal Party left the people of Western Australia,
there was no alternative but to secure maximum value from the name of the
stadium.
I also indicate to
the people of the state, and perhaps to the opposition, that we were very clear
prior to the state election that this is what we would be doing. We were very
clear that this is what we would be doing. Optus itself will offer a range of
services to patrons of the stadium, and those telecommunications services, apps
and the like that it provides to people attending events at the stadium will be
world-leading.
But let us just get
this straight. The former Liberal–National government left this state
with $40 billion of additional debt.
Several members
interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We have to address that. Although at times —
Several members
interjected.
The SPEAKER : Premier.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : They left us with $40 billion of additional debt, and although
at times it is unpleasant, we have to take steps to address that. I think most
people understand.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Members, the question has been asked. I want to hear the answer.
If anyone else interjects and just rabbles on, I will call them to order.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : Most people understand that they can go to stadia around
Australia and the world and they have commercial naming arrangements that bring
benefit to the taxpayers of those particular states. In Western Australia, it
has been the case for a long period of time. For the benefit of members who did
not listen to what said I before, we have nib Stadium and Domain Stadium and we
will have Optus Stadium. Everyone knows that it is in Perth and it will provide
a benefit to the taxpayers. We look forward to ensuring that Western Australians
have a first-rate experience, and this arrangement will ensure that that
happens as well.
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