Government Borrows Millions to Play Cheerleader for Aussie Rugby League

The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the Government for using borrowed money to help bankroll an Australian sporting event, after this morning’s announcement that State of Origin will be coming to Auckland thanks to an A$5 million Government bid.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:

“Only days after preaching fiscal restraint at the NZ Economic Forum, the Government has apparently decided that announcing the borrowing of millions to subsidise an Australian rugby league spectacle is a better priority than fixing the basics here at home.”

“The real scandal here isn’t State of Origin, it’s the fact the Government is running a Major Events Fund fuelled by borrowed money while claiming it’s serious about restraint. If the Government genuinely believes these events stack up commercially, then the private sector can fund them”

“We thought this Government was serious about saving money, but clearly those principles have been thrown straight out the door in a desperate bid to look fun and flashy in an election year.”

“Kiwi taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill so Ministers can pose with rugby balls and high-five their mates at the stadium.”