WA Minister for Small Business Jackie Jarvis has defended the state government’s decision to spend $8 million to secure Perth as Coldplay’s first Australia concert venue.
After previously attempting to keep the figure a secret The Guardian yesterday reported it had seen state government documents detailing the amount paid to event organiser, Live Nation Entertainment.
Coldplay rock their exclusive Perth show.Credit: DUNCAN BARNES/FACEBOOK
Jarvis said the two concerts, held at Optus Stadium in November, injected millions into the local economy. They were initially promoted as Coldplay’s only Australian shows, attracting 40,000 visitors, but the band later announced gigs on the east coast.
“Our events program is phenomenal, it brings lots of people to Western Australia,” Jarvis said.
Asked if she was disappointed the figure WA paid to host Coldplay had been revealed, Jarvis said there was a reason these types of things were usually kept secret.
“We’re competing with other states, we’re competing on a global stage for these events, so I understand there’s a reason for those matters being kept commercial in confidence,” she said.
“There’s a set line item in the budget for our tourism events … so everyone knows how much is on the table for the global pool of funds, how much are paid to commercial operators, I understand, is commercial in confidence.”