NSW Premier Chris Minns is defending a decision to scrap plans to light the sails of the Sydney Opera House to mark the coronation of King Charles.
The premier reversed the previous government’s decision to illuminate the Opera House for the coronation on Saturday.
The hefty $80,000-$100,000 cost was significant and the sails were being lit too often, he said.
The sails were lit on 23 days in 2012 but that ballooned to more than 70 days last year, with the premier saying he would be more selective.
“It was lit up for everything from solemn occasions to …. a football team that was touring,” he told Sydney radio 2GB on Monday.
“Of course I respect the new King but I’m mindful of where and when we spend taxpayers’ money,” he said.
The government had already rejected a number of requests since coming to office to light up the Opera House from various organisations and for religious events.
“I’d like to keep it for Australia and Australians and for moments of sacrifice and heroism for the country – or when there’s an important international event in Sydney,” Mr Minns said.
The Australian Monarchist League condemned the decision not to light the sails for the King.
“Had the premier contacted the Australian Monarchist League, our members would readily have contributed towards the funding for this purpose on this important occasion,” the statement said.
“From now on, should taxpayer funds ever be used to light up buildings, it will prove that this decision was based on Mr Minn’s republican sympathies and not on cost,” it said.
– AAP
