Steve Dimopoulos MP defends scale of financial support given to Tennis Australia

·

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Mr Steve Dimopoulos is facing scrutiny and having to defend the substantial financial support provided to Tennis Australia, which annually hosts the Australian Open.

This comes after recently discovered Freedom of Information (FOI) documents revealed that Victorian taxpayers contributed to more than $100 million to support Tennis Australia.

ABC News reported that in late 2022, Treasurer Tim Pallas approved a $63 million contingency support payment towards the Australian Open.

This was additional to the $40 million loan that Tennis Australia was granted and did not have to repay as the Victorian government had decided to waive the debt due to the impact of COVID-19.

Steve Dimopoulos MP
The Minister for Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos. Photo: Oakleigh.

Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos defended the financial assistance provided to Tennis Australia. 

He said a 10-year extension to Melbourne’s hosting rights was negotiated at the same time the bailout was granted, that would be worth $4 billion to the state of Victoria.

“This is an event that’s been on the calendar for decades and it largely runs with pretty modest support from the Victorian taxpayer for the economic benefits it brings,” Dimopoulos said.

Although the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has not addressed the issue of the waived COVID-19 loan, she highlighted the major contribution the Australian Open plays into Victoria’s economy.

She said that the Australian Open contributes $357 million each year and supports thousands of jobs.

Mr Dimopoulos also declined to explain why the COVID-19 loan was waived.

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Jonathon’s grows under pappou Panagioti’s watchful eye

In a full circle moment, Jonathon Atalalis has inherited his pappou Panagioti Kitsiris’ enterprising spirit, opening his self-titled cafe.

‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’: Registrations open for HACCI event

HACCINF is proud to host its inaugural national online event ‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’.

Dean Kalimniou to give seminar in Melbourne on Themistoklis Sofoulis

Sofoulis' vision of a democratic progressive and inclusive society remains if not a forgotten then certainly an unattained dream.

Niki Louca shares her Eliopites (olive bread) recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Eliopites (olive bread) with The Greek Herald. 

Call for submissions: Greek Australian writers invited to publish in ‘O Logos’ journal

The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced a call for submissions for its annual literary journal, O Logos.

You May Also Like

Edith Piaf and Dimitris Horn: Their Athens meeting and the passionate love letter

Edith Piaf and Dimitris Horn: Their Athens meeting and the passionate love letter. The Greek Herald shares the history.

Cyprus’ President makes historic visit to Palestine

President Nikos Christodoulides embarked on a historic visit to Palestine, becoming the first Cyprus president to visit in eight years.

Family of murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis claim he was tricked into Rome trip

According to his family, Easey St murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis, was enticed to Rome under the guise of a possible property deal.