‘We can't ask you': Opposition questions Tourism's involvement in $60m NRL deal as Minister deflects topic

West Australian

2 days ago

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby has refused to answer questions about the $60 million deal to base the NRL's next team in Perth, sparking Opposition claims tourism officials were cut out of it.
Basil Zempilas used a Budget estimates hearing in Parliament on Tuesday to press the Minister on whether Tourism WA did its own cost-benefit analysis, but was told to ask Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti instead.
'Got an army of advisors from tourism (with you) and we can't ask you,' the Opposition Leader exclaimed.
Three times, he was told to wait to ask Ms Saffioti.
'I'm happy to ask questions that relate to the tourism division and items that are directly related to a line item of the Budget,' Mr Whitby said.
'The process and the decision making around this issue sit very firmly in the sporting division.'
The Perth Bears deal will cost $50.8 million in its first year, even before the team hits the field in the 2027 season.
Asked whether Tourism WA provided a formal briefing before the deal was signed, Mr Whitby again deferred.
'I've got to take issue with you . . . I think you're drawing a pretty tenuous link,' Mr Whitby said.
Ms Saffioti is due to front Budget estimates on Tuesday afternoon.