MAC funds could be used for Festival Centre upgrade

More cash from the Motor Accident Commission may be used to prop up a Government project not connected to road safety.

Tens of millions of dollars could be diverted to revamp the Festival Centre as part of the Riverbank development.

The Festival Centre is in need of an upgrade, but Premier Jay Weatherill says the funds need to become available.

Today’s budget estimates hearings may have provided a big clue, but it has the Opposition seeing red.

“It is pretty clear staff of the Motor Accident Commission have been in discussions with the Festival Centre Trust,” Shadow Treasurer Iain Evans said.

The cashed-up MAC has already been stripped of $100 million for road projects, including fixing the Britannia Roundabout.

Now further funds may be earmarked for Festival Centre work, despite other worthy causes.

”Motorists want cheaper car insurance,” Mr Evans said.

While Finance Minister Michael O’Brien first dismissed claims there had been discussions, he later said there may have been a proposition.

Mr O’Brien has confirmed Jim Hazel is a board member of both the Festival Centre Trust and the MAC Investment Committee.

The Opposition predicts the State Government will announce the centre’s upgrade as a pre-election strategy, but won’t declare how it is being funded.

“This Government (is) looking at the Motor Accident Commission as a cash cow,” Mr Evans said.