South Australian Treasurer Kevin Foley is being called on to resign having misled the South Australian parliament and public over cost increases for the Adelaide Oval redevelopment.
However, Treasurer Foley told DMG radio that he wasn't deliberately misleading, stating "I didn't do it wilfully ... it wasn't discovered, it wasn't leaked, I volunteered it."
Treasurer Foley yesterday admitted he knew of an increase in the estimated cost for the oval project before the March state election, having previously told the South Australian Parliament he wasn't advised the work would cost more than the estimated $450 million until after the poll.
Treasurer Foley said he now recalled a general discussion he had with the Stadium Management Authority (SMA) on 19th February when a range of issues were canvassed, including the cost increase, now budgeted at $530 million.
He added "if I had recalled that meeting at the time I would have certainly informed the parliament last week."
Treasurer Foley also revealed during the 891 ABC Adelaide interview that a reduction in the redeveloped stadiumâs seating capacity from 50,000 to 45,000 to save money was now being considered.
Treasurer Foley's sudden decision to reveal the February SMA meeting, the day before the state election was called, followed comments by South Australian Cricket Association Chairman Ian McLachlan on 891 ABC Adelaide radio yesterday that a "series of signals" about extra funding needed for the oval redevelopment were given to a top-level Government committee before the election.
2nd April 2010 - SANFL WANTS $8 MILLION FOR ADELAIDE OVAL MOVE
16th March 2010 - SA LABOR COMMITS TO ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE OVERHAUL
24th February 2010 - AAMI STADIUM HOLDS BACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CLUBS
3rd December 2009 - AFL TO MOVE TO REDEVELOPED 50,000-SEAT ADELAIDE OVAL
30th October 2009 - AFL CHIEF BACKS ADELAIDE CBD STADIUM
12th August 2009 - $350 MILLION UPGRADE PLANNED FOR ADELAIDE OVAL
3rd February 2009 - AUSTRALIA ENTERS RACE FOR FIFA WORLD CUP
22nd December 2008 - AAMI STADIUM UPGRADE TO PRESS ON DESPITE FUNDING CUT
20th February 2008 - NEW STADIUM FOR ADELAIDE?
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With a background in adventure tourism, events management and marketing, James Croll is a regular contributor to Australasian Leisure Management and Asian Leisure Business.
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