NSW Greens MLC Ian Cohen has called on the Government to refer all economic data and analysis associated with the 2009 Repco Rally to the Auditor-General for independent review.
"The recent release of a report prepared for the Government by Integrated Marketing Communications Pty Ltd (IMC) displays a clear lack of objectivity, raising serious questions about its accuracy," said Mr Cohen.
"The report uses terminology that is inflammatory and inappropriate for an assessment of such an important matter.
"To repeatedly label local community opposition to the Repco Rally as "zealots" shows the contempt that the Government and IMC holds for the legitimate concerns of local residents and business owners.
"The conclusion that the economic benefits of the 2009 Repco Rally far outweighed the costs is based on submissions from Events NSW and Rally Australia, two organisations that have a vested interest in supporting the decision to go ahead with this event despite a divisive and inadequate planning process.
"All economic data and analysis related to the Repco Rally must be released so that a robust and independent assessment can be made into whether or not NSW really did get a good deal out of this event.
"We know from the Auditor-General's independent review of the V8 Supercars Races that we cannot rely on the Government, or its close associates, to accurately assess the economic benefits to NSW of these types of events.
"Given the V8 Races cost $10 million more and delivered 25% fewer benefits than planned, what assurance is there about the accuracy of the information in the IMC report?
"Until the Auditor-General is able to look at and report on all of the economic information from the 2009 Repco Rally, it is unacceptable that the Government would even consider holding this event in the future," said Mr Cohen.
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