Canberra votes: Alicia Payne criticises Zed Seselja over AIS Arena funding

Alicia Payne accuses Zed Seselja for only paying attention to Canberra when his senate seat is “under threat” following AIS Arena funding commitment.

Labor member for Canberra Alicia Payne has criticised an 11.4 million dollar commitment to the AIS Arena upgrade announced by Liberal ACT Senator Zed Seselja and Sports Minister Richard Colbeck.

“What (Tuesday’s) announcement shows is that the Liberals and Zed Seselja only pay attention to Canberra when they think his Senate seat is under threat, otherwise they never would have let it close in the first place,” she said.

“Don’t forget the only reason the arena is closed is because Zed Seselja didn’t do his job.”

“As a result, the Capitals and other women’s sporting teams have been left without a home and the ACT has lost events and economic benefits that flow from them.”

Ms Payne told The Canberra Star the Labor Party would “deliver on this project.”

“It will happen no matter who wins the election,” she said.

Alicia Payne has accused ACT Senator Zed Seselja of only paying attention to Canberra when his senate seat is “under threat”.Photo: Jamila Toderas

On Tuesday ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr cautiously welcomed the funding commitment.

“It’s a pity it took a hotly contested election campaign for this belated acceptance of the Commonwealth’s responsibility for maintaining their own asset,” Mr Barr said

“Nevertheless, we welcome the commitment.

“It is a start.”

The funding announcement comes two weeks after the federal budget and two days after the federal election was called by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Mr Barr came out swinging in his response to the budget, stating Canberra had been ‘forgotten again’ and cited the lack of funding for the AIS precinct as a sore spot.

Following Tuesday’s announcement Mr Barr said he was eager to have a broader discussion with the federal government about revitalising the entire AIS precinct following the election.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has cautiously welcomed a funding commitment from the federal government for the AIS Arena. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

In a statement Mr Colbeck said the funding would help the AIS reconnect with the Canberra community.

“The AIS Arena has had a community presence in Canberra for over 40 years and this major investment will see the ACT community come back together after a difficult period,” he said.

“Canberra-based organisations, including the University of Canberra Capitals WNBL team, schools, universities, local sporting organisations and business groups, have not been able to access the venue for over two years now.

Senator Zed Seselja described the funding as a “big win” for Canberrans.

“I have been fighting for this much needed investment, while engaging with local community organisations and sports bodies who were keen to see the AIS Arena reopened,” he said.

“There will be many Canberrans who will be thrilled to see the AIS Arena open once more, hosting high-quality sporting events, showcasing entertainment or hosting education events.”

The government plans to use the funding to cover works including upgrading lighting, fire safety systems, and stadium seating.

The AIS Arena has been used as a mass vaccination hub since September 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Colbeck and Mr Seselja say they expect the stadium to reopen for sporting and community events in the first half of 2023.

When asked if he thought the funding allocated was sufficient Mr Barr said because AIS Arena is a federal government asset they would be “best placed” to understand the remediation costs.

“Hopefully, the funding announced will be sufficient,” he said.

“If, as the works progress, it goes over that budget, I encourage the Commonwealth to provide the necessary funding to get the job done right.”

The AIS Arena was closed to major events by the Australian Sports Commission in 2020 amid the outbreak of Covid-19.

The arena has been used as a mass vaccination hub since September last year.