Premier responds to criticism over Victoria’s Australian Open bailout

It’s been revealed the Victorian government approved a secret taxpayer-funded bailout of Tennis Australia on the eve of the last state election.

Press PLAY below to hear the Premier responding to questioning over the secret bailout

There are now calls for Tennis Australia to pay back the $63 million taxpayer-funded bailout it was granted during the pandemic after its cash reserves were depleted by the additional cost of staging tournaments in 2021 and 2022.

Speaking to 3AW’s Tom Elliott, Premier Jacinta Allan said the bailout was justified because of the massive boost the event gives the Victorian economy.

“The Australian Open contributes $357 million each and every year to the Victorian economy, so the investments we made tot he tennis through the pandemic, the4re were some additional costs that were incurred. The tennis is a big anchor in our calendar of major events and it’s great for jobs,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear the full wide-ranging in studio interview with Tom Elliott where the Premier also discussed:

• Victoria’s debt
• Suburban Rail Loop
• Australia Day
• Plus lots more