The Minns Labor Government has slashed in half the planned and fully funded $500M redevelopment of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo.
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the Minns Government is prioritising its deal with union bosses over funding for infrastructure and transport projects, supporting the arts and helping people across the community.
“Before the election Chris Minns promised to roll over Active Kids, deliver Metro West, and continue to deliver important community projects – now with funding for Powerhouse Utlimo slashed in half, just like with Active Kids, Labor cannot be trusted to deliver for the people of NSW.”
Shadow Minister for Arts Kevin Anderson said the former Coalition government had backed this project and the arts sector, committing to a $500m refurbishment after extensive planning and community consultation.
“This is huge blow for the Arts sector who will now have to settle for less. The Government is walking away from an opportunity to build a new purpose-built museum on the site,” Mr Anderson said. “This will be a blow not only to the arts and tourism sectors, but also to the education and training sector that was anticipating subsidised studios and workspaces, including more than 5000 dedicated design and fashion study spots for regional and remote NSW students.”
“Many new features could end up in the dust bin, including a more user-friendly Haymarket street entrance, 30 percent more exhibition space and a promised four-story building with street level access. I’m calling on the Minns Labor Government not to waste this opportunity, and guarantee that the main entrance will be from the Haymarket side to remove the longstanding problems with the Harris Street entrance that create a barrier to entry.”
“The Liberals and Nationals left a proud legacy in the arts – the greatest investment since the Opera House – delivering investment of more than $1B for world class institutions, including the Parramatta Powerhouse, Castle Hill world class storage facility and the planned redevelopment of the Powerhouse at Ultimo.”
Damien Tudehope said the former Coalition Government was able to deliver record investment in health and education, as well as funding new transport and infrastructure and projects like the Powerhouse redevelopment, because of its strong Budget management.
“Our economic management earned the state two Triple A credit ratings and had our budget on the path to surplus in 2024-25, despite having to manage a once-in-a-century crisis in the COVID pandemic,” Mr Tudehope said. “Chris Minns promised billions of taxpayer funds to his union bosses, and now we’re finding out what has to be cut to pay for them.”