Media Release | 8 May 2025
Basil Zempilas MLA
Leader of the Opposition
Peter Rundle MLA
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation
A lack of transparency and misleading the public is already a hallmark of the Cook Government, just two months into their third term, with the lack of detail on the NRL deal just the latest example.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said despite committing to release economic modelling, West Australians were still being kept in the dark about the details of the Cook Government’s $65 million deal with the NRL.
“The Cook Government promised to provide detailed economic modelling on the economic benefits for taxpayers but has instead treated the public with disdain in today’s release of a one- page note on State Government letterhead on the economic benefits of the deal,” he said.
“They said they would be transparent with the public, but there is still a lot of detail about the $65 million of taxpayer money going towards this NRL team, that we have no visibility of.
“We have always said we support Western Australia having a team in the NRL, but the deal has to stack up, and after months of wheeling and dealing, the Premier has provided scant detail on the deal.”
Mr Zempilas said in the first two months of this third term Cook Government, a lack of transparency and respect for West Australian taxpayers is proving to be their hallmark.
“Whether it be not taking the NRL deal to an election and then not providing detailed economic modelling of the deal, or cancelling a commitment to legislate an emissions target, or not being upfront about the GPS tracking of domestic violence offenders on bail, or failing to consult with the community about a racetrack at Burswood Park, the Premier and his Government are showing hubris and disregard for transparency and truth,” he said.
“West Australians deserve better.”
Shadow Sport and Recreation Minister Peter Rundle said while the Opposition supported an NRL team, the lack of clarity about the deal was concerning.
“The lack of detail provided about the number of visitors that will supposedly travel from interstate to Western Australia for matches is just part of the detail that is missing in explaining this deal,” he said.
“On behalf of the West Australian public, we want to scrutinise the deal but are being denied that by the Premier.”
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Graham Mason | 0419 194 792
