Shadow treasurer Damien Tudehope seized on the apparent gulf between Minns and Kamper on Friday,saying the government should be providing cost-of-living relief for families,not “fighting amongst themselves about the stadium roof”.
The business case will also investigate the option of a fixed,non-retractable roof at Accor (also known as Stadium Australia,its unbranded name),which would be substantially cheaper.
The roof push has resurfaced following the NRL’s round one excursion to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium,which has a permanent,transparent roof made from a fluorine-based plastic.
Kamper has said such a roof “potentially would suit Accor”,and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys is also a convert. “Before I went to Allegiant Stadium,I couldn’t see the benefits of having a roof,” he has said. “I wasn’t a fan,but I am now.”
But on Friday Minns made his strongest remarks to date against a roof at Accor,after statements of support for a refit from major sporting codes. “No flies on them,I can completely get why they would like the government to do it,” Minns said.
“We’ve got to assess what revenue benefit we would get as a result of that infrastructure. But I’ve also got to watch out for the budget,and there’s real pressure on the NSW budget from everything from emergency service funding to schools and hospitals,and they have got to take priority.”