Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - NRL/ARL Media Release
The Australian and National Rugby Leagues have today expressed their disappointment at a Federal Government decision to withdraw $10 million in funding for the game’s Centenary year.
The funding would have allowed for Hall of Fame projects in both Sydney and Brisbane as well as associated projects including education resources and volunteer recognition.
While recognising the pressures faced by the economy, the code sees this as another blow for millions of Australians who would have been able to see the ‘working man’s game’ recognised at a national level.
“It is particularly disappointing given that the grant was announced by the then Prime Minister on Grand Final day before the election was called,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It wasn’t an election promise but a commitment by the government of the day.”
The fact that no question had been raised by the then Opposition in the lead-up to the election and that there had been no opportunity to re-present the need for the investment directly to the new government is a further disappointment to the Leagues.
“It is all the more perplexing given that one of the reasons given to us today was the need to concentrate on participation and obesity programmes,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today.
“The previous government knew and recognised that Rugby League had already been a strong supporter of participation and obesity programmes with little government assistance.
“In fact we have invested millions of dollars in these areas through schools clinics, after school activities and competitions.
“We continue to do so at the expense of other projects and the Hall of Fame was a one-off recognition of that investment as well as recognition of the sport’s contribution to the community over a century.
“The fact is that an important part of promoting junior participation is recognising champions and the inspiration that they provide, as well as recognising the volunteers who are at the heart of the game.
“The heroes they see on the field and the traditions of community support are the inspiration that get kids to have a go in the first place.
“We hope to work with the government to promote these messages in the near future.”
The funding would have allowed for Hall of Fame projects in both Sydney and Brisbane as well as associated projects including education resources and volunteer recognition.
While recognising the pressures faced by the economy, the code sees this as another blow for millions of Australians who would have been able to see the ‘working man’s game’ recognised at a national level.
“It is particularly disappointing given that the grant was announced by the then Prime Minister on Grand Final day before the election was called,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“It wasn’t an election promise but a commitment by the government of the day.”
The fact that no question had been raised by the then Opposition in the lead-up to the election and that there had been no opportunity to re-present the need for the investment directly to the new government is a further disappointment to the Leagues.
“It is all the more perplexing given that one of the reasons given to us today was the need to concentrate on participation and obesity programmes,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today.
“The previous government knew and recognised that Rugby League had already been a strong supporter of participation and obesity programmes with little government assistance.
“In fact we have invested millions of dollars in these areas through schools clinics, after school activities and competitions.
“We continue to do so at the expense of other projects and the Hall of Fame was a one-off recognition of that investment as well as recognition of the sport’s contribution to the community over a century.
“The fact is that an important part of promoting junior participation is recognising champions and the inspiration that they provide, as well as recognising the volunteers who are at the heart of the game.
“The heroes they see on the field and the traditions of community support are the inspiration that get kids to have a go in the first place.
“We hope to work with the government to promote these messages in the near future.”
