I am advised:

1. The full cost of staging the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, including the provision of security services, is the responsibility of New Mardi Gras Ltd. The total cost of the Ambulance deployment was $50,170 as calculated under the provisions of the Ambulance Major and Sporting Events Policy. A total of 839 police were involved in the 2009 Mardi Gras operation. These officers were paid according to their rank and as part of their normal duties. Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) support for the 2009 Mardi Gras, including road closures and management of the peripheral road network to minimise the impact to the non-event community, cost $143,000.
2. Events New South Wales conducted a comprehensive review of the 2009 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. The review found that:
   • more than 21,000 visitors from interstate or overseas came specifically for Mardi Gras;
   • overseas visitors stayed an average of 10.5 nights in Sydney and New South Wales, and interstate visitors stayed an average of 3.9 nights in Sydney and New South Wales;
   • the overall direct economic impact to the state of New South Wales was close to $29,548,761;
   • more than 448 press articles were published in interstate and selected international key New South Wales tourism markets, with a cumulative circulation of over 40 million;
   • more than 700 television news and radio items were broadcast in interstate markets, having a cumulative audience of 17 million; and · 65.8% of New South Wales residents believe that the $400,000 investment the New South Wales Government makes in the Mardi Gras is a reasonable use of taxpayers' money.
3. Events NSW has not confirmed funding for the 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.