Lee welcomes AIS funding, slams paltry $10 million for Barr’s Bruce ‘precinct’

ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee has today welcomed the $250 million commitment by the Federal Government to restore the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) following continued calls by the Canberra Liberals for the institute to remain in the ACT and be adequately funded.

Ms Lee said the Canberra Liberals fought for the AIS to remain in the ACT after the federal Albanese Labor government announced a review last year aimed at assessing the viability of moving the AIS to Queensland.

“I successfully moved a motion and subsequent amendment in the ACT Legislative Assembly that required the ACT Government to call on the Federal Labor Government to keep the AIS in Canberra and to invest at least $200 million on upgrades,” Ms Lee said.

“The AIS benefits the ACT greatly through facilities, employment, tourism, major events, and elite sports pathways for Canberrans and remains an important part of our city.”

Ms Lee said whilst she welcomes the funding for upgrades to the AIS, the paltry $10 million for development of the Bruce ‘precinct’ is laughable.

“Andrew Barr has a horrendous record when it comes to building infrastructure in the ACT and this so-called Bruce ‘precinct’ looks like it will be no different,” Ms Lee said.

“Despite promising Stage 2B of the tram, a new stadium, a new convention centre, a new theatre, the northside hospital and a music pavilion Andrew Barr has not told Canberrans how much they will cost and how they will be budgeted and delivered.

“By the Federal Government only offering $10 million towards the Bruce ‘precinct’ it appears they don’t have any faith in these projects being delivered either.

“This comes on the back of the laughable $50 million funding for stage 2B of the tram which will cost Canberrans well over $4 billion,” Ms Lee concluded.