Opposition says FOI documents reveal Premier’s ‘fingerprints’ on Superloop 500 axing

The opposition says they have acquired documents that show the Premier’s “fingerprints” on the government’s controversial axing of the Adelaide 500.

Labor is accusing Premier Steven Marshall of having “his fingerprints all over the decision to axe the Adelaide 500” Supercar race after documents released under Freedom of Information revealed he sought and received briefings about potentially cancelling the event months before it was scrapped.

Releasing the documents, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said they showed Mr Marshall sought a high-level briefing long before Supercars Championship organisers were notified.

Mr Malinauskas last November inked a memorandum of understanding with Supercars officials to return the race to Adelaide’s CBD if he wins next March’s state election.

“These revelations are extraordinary. It is now clear Premier Steven Marshall has his fingerprints all over the decision to axe the Adelaide 500,” Mr Malinauskas said.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas. Picture: Tom Huntley

“The Premier also oversaw a Budget that enforced cost-saving measures on to the Adelaide 500, essentially running it into the ground.”

The state government and South Australian Tourism Commission last October announced the Superloop Adelaide 500 would not go ahead in 2021, saying the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and declining interest in motorsport had made the marquee event unviable.

A State Government spokesman said it had a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.

“The Superloop 500 simply didn’t stack up for our state. It’s not unusual, and in fact prudent, for the Premier to seek information in relation to his portfolios,” he said.

“The problem with Pete Malinauskas and Labor is they haven‘t revealed to South Australians what taxes they will raise, or services they would cut, to prop up the race, given increasing costs to the taxpayer and declining attendance.”