Government Shift Signals Events NSW Downgrading

The NSW Government's uneasy relationship with major events is set to continue with state agency Events NSW set to move from reporting to Premier Kristina Keneally to Minister for State and Regional Development, Ian MacDonald.

The change was approved at a NSW Cabinet meeting on Monday, with the Sydney Morning Herald suggesting that the organisation's importance within the NSW Government has been reduced.

The agency is set to gain a new Chairman, with John Conde, Chairman of the Homebush Motor Racing Authority, John Conde, after the resignation of former Chairman (and Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive), John O'Neill.

The decision to give Minister Macdonald, popularly known as 'Sir Lunchalot' control over Events NSW is believed to be the main reason for O'Neill's departure.

The Sydney Morning Herald went on to report that, "in Victoria and Queensland, the premier controls the bodies equivalent to Events NSW and the state's most senior politician is regarded as the main sales representative for the state" and quoted O'Neill as stating "it's a pity the Premier will no longer be the minister responsible, as that was a fundamental plank of the review I conducted."

The head of the NSW Business Chamber, Patricia Forsythe, was disappointed it had not remained with the Premier, "where it sends a clear message of the importance of the major events strategy as a key economic driver."

There have been suggestions that O'Neill left because both Minister Macdonald and the NSW Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, opposed the way he had run the organisation, in particular his supposed opposition to holding V8 races at Homebush.

Minister Macdonald was a strong supporter of this proposal, but it is believed that while Events NSW was concerned about the specific V8 race proposal that had been put forward, it was not opposed to a V8 event being held.

Major events have drifted away from NSW to Victoria and Queensland. The lack of suitable facilities such as theatres and large conference and convention centres is costing NSW tens of millions of dollars a year.

The status of the delayed Brand Sydney project also remains in limbo with the NSW Government has been unable to clarify when it will be finalised.

The NSW Tourism Minister, Jodi McKay, and the NSW Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, are expected to be appointed ministers assisting Minister Macdonald in running Events NSW.

Image: Sydney's ANZ Stadium hosting the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.