The NSW Opposition acknowledges and respects the decision of Australian Turf Club (ATC) members to vote against the sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Their democratic voice has been heard – and while the racecourse will remain, the housing crisis facing young people, families and future generations continues to grow.
The parliamentary inquiry last year into the Rosehill proposal exposed serious failings in the way the Minns Labor Government managed this process. The inquiry found:
- The Premier's office misleadingly described a key meeting as a "meet and greet" despite it involving a long-time associate and discussion of the proposal.
- The Premier and Government breached the Unsolicited Proposals guidelines by championing and announcing the proposal before it had even cleared the first stage of the unsolicited proposals process.
- Communication with stakeholders, including ATC members and the public, was poorly handled.
- There remains uncertainty about the financial viability of the proposal.
So far the Government's housing delivery record is poor, hitting long term lows for approvals and commencements of new homes.
We know the only way to address the housing crisis is through scale, ambition and follow-through. We remain absolutely committed to housing supply, housing choice, and housing opportunity – but we won't support chaos, secrecy or spin dressed up as policy.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said we respect the decision of the ATC members – but the real issue remains.
"The housing crisis hasn't been solved," Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the inquiry showed what happens when process is ignored, and transparency is tossed aside.
"The Government had a plan finished for Camellia / Rosehill that they iced for 18 months while they chased this mirage," Mr Farlow said.
The NSW Opposition stands ready to work constructively on solutions that deliver more homes, backed by infrastructure and public trust – because fixing the housing crisis means everyone has to be at the table.
