Media Statements
Statement - Labor’s financial mismanagement threatens world heritage site
Statement – Labor’s financial mismanagement threatens world heritage site
James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Planning
14 March 2024.
Melbourne’s only world heritage listed site is at risk directly because of the financial mismanagement of the Allan Labor Government.
Recent reports have highlighted the dire state of the Royal Exhibition Building, with cracking and flaking walls and missing paint peeling off decorative murals.
Despite the clear need for protect this internationally recognised site, the Allan Labor Government last year completely cut funding to the conservation of heritage buildings as Labor’s record debt heads towards $200 billion.
Shadow Minister for Planning, James Newbury, said: “Labor cannot manage money and iconic heritage buildings are suffering as a consequence.
“It is completely unacceptable for the Labor Government to turn their back on its responsibility to maintain our cultural heritage.
“Melbourne’s only world heritage listed site cannot be allowed to fall apart. Labor must reverse its cut to heritage building conservation and ensure that the Royal Exhibition Building is protected for future generations.”