Reverend the Hon. F. J. NILE: I ask the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Tourism, a question without notice.

Is it a fact that Tourism New South Wales has decided to give an initial $75,000 towards the Sydney bid for the 2002 Gay Games?

Has Tourism New South Wales consulted the Minister for Tourism and/or Cabinet and/or caucus or the broader community about this generous $75,000 grant and the holding of the Gay Games in Sydney?

Does the community and/or the Government want these Games in the city of Sydney?

Having cut $200 million from the State Rail Authority budget, which will have major ramifications on the success of the 2000 Olympic Games, and having to make cuts to other essential services, why are the Gay Games a priority of this Government?

Will the Government urgently cancel this unnecessary grant and allocate the $75,000 to Child Protection Services?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: I understand that Tourism New South Wales has made a grant of some $75,000.

The Hon. R. T. M. Bull: It is a disgrace.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: It is interesting to note the Opposition’s view on the issue. My recollection is that Tourism New South Wales has an annual budget of about $20 million. Its job is to encourage tourism in New South Wales and it makes modest assistance available for large-scale events in New South Wales. I understand that if the Gay Games are held in Sydney, approximately 40,000 competitors will participate. It will certainly be a major event. I support those Games being held in Sydney.

Reverend the Hon. F. J. NILE: I ask a supplementary question. The Treasurer did not say whether the Minister for Tourism had agreed to, approved of, or was aware of, the grant.

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: The Minister is aware of the grant. However, I understand that it was made by Tourism New South Wales under its charter and without reference to the Minister.