SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY FUNDING
The Hon. J. M. SAMIOS: I ask the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council whether it is a fact that the Government’s funding for the highly successful Sydney Theatre Company has been slashed by $87,000, which almost equals the budget for its youth and education program. Is it also a fact that the company’s budget has not changed for eight years although it now pays rent for its Walsh Bay premises? How can the Government claim to support the arts and youth services with these funding cuts? What steps will the Treasurer take to ensure Australia’s premier theatre company remains properly funded?
The Hon. M. R. EGAN: Last week I had the opportunity to sit in the gallery and observe this House during question time. I suggest it is an example other honourable members should follow. The only impression to be gained sitting in the gallery and watching question time is what a dull and dreary bunch, which is exemplified by the question of the Hon. J. M. Samios! The honourable member knows that the Sydney Theatre Company would not have a venue if it were not for the foresight and vision of the Wran Labor Government. The theatre company has a magnificent venue called the Wharf Theatre at Walsh Bay.
More importantly, the Government is facilitating a fabulous redevelopment of Walsh Bay, which this mob opposite was unable to do. The Walsh Bay development will be a precinct of Sydney of which the world will be proud, thanks to my colleague the Minister for Public Works and Services, who has done a fabulous job on this project. In the last three weeks I had dinner with
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someone who happened to be a director of the Sydney Theatre Company. He made no complaints about this Government’s treatment of the company. In fact, he was effusive in his praise. Perhaps the Hon. J. M. Samios has been talking to the wrong person!