Clover’s lavish NYE raises concerns about inequality

BY KIERAN ADAIR

Clover Moore has been criticised for spending three-quarters of a million dollars on an exclusive New Year’s Eve party on the city’s waterfront at Circular Quay.

Every year the Lord Mayor puts on a private New Year’s Eve party for around 1200 guests including journalists, politicians and business leaders from across the city.

At this month’s council meeting it was revealed that the cost of this year’s event is considerably more than previous years’. This year the council has allocated an additional $92,000 for food, staffing and other expenses.

Clover Moore has defended the cost increase, saying the party provides an opportunity to “thank sponsors and community representatives” for their contributions to the city, and “functions as a media hub…used by media partners for their broadcasts” of the fireworks. Labor councillor Linda Scott claims it’s held at the cost of hosting a more inclusive New Year’s Eve celebration.

“New Year’s Eve in the City of Sydney should not be for a select few,” Ms Scott told The Australian following the council meeting.

“The funding for each exclusive Lord Mayoral New Year’s Eve party could fund a major park ­upgrade, or build a new basketball court.

“The city is desperately in need of more infrastructure for our ­future; not exclusive parties for the Lord Mayor and her mates.”

It is understood the council hosts the party as a part of its broader contribution to the New Year’s celebrations. Invitees include event sponsors and personalities that have contributed in-kind support to offset the costs of running the event, which is partly funded by the council.

According to the Lord Mayor, the international coverage of the fireworks “helps deliver considerable economic benefit to Sydney, estimated to be worth $133 million.”

Clover Moore also holds an annual picnic in the Botanic Gardens on the afternoon before the fireworks, inviting children with special needs, their families and their carers.

Councillor Scott has made it clear that she is not opposed to the benefits the fireworks and charity picnic bring to the city, but is concerned at the message sent by using public funds to host a private VIP event; especially as figures show income inequality is growing steeply throughout the state.

Analysis released earlier this year revealed that Sydney has become Australia’s worst major city for economic inequality, with the richest 1 per cent of earners pocketing 11 per cent of total income. In light of this, hosting an exclusive party on the Opera House wharfs while others struggle for a view of the fireworks in the crowded public areas goes against the council’s goal of a more inclusive city.

During a campaign speech earlier this year Clover Moore said that “we have one of the highest levels of income inequality in greater Sydney…A key finding of our consultations for the 2030 plan was that people really valued Sydney’s social connectivity and its diversity.”

“Yet given those existing inequalities, coupled with a growing population and rising prosperity from some, we risk shrinking opportunity and a slide into a monoculture which rewards certain sectors while relegating others to second-class status.”

For those lucky enough to score an invite the theme for this year’s party is Allure, and promises guests “one of the best fireworks viewing areas around Sydney Harbour”. For everyone else, Cr Scott will be donating her tickets to the winners of a competition she runs annually for the best ideas for the future of Sydney.