NSW Minister's Sporting Freebies Top $14,000 in Annual Disclosures
New South Wales Health Minister and Keira MP Ryan Park has declared receiving complimentary tickets to sporting events valued at more than $14,000 during the last financial year. The disclosure forms part of the mandatory Register of Disclosures for state politicians, which requires them to list any gifts or benefits exceeding $500 in value.
Detailed Breakdown of Minister Park's Sporting Perks
According to the official declarations, Mr Park's sporting benefits included tickets to several high-profile events across different codes. As a noted Dragons supporter, he received eleven tickets to NRL matches featuring the St George Illawarra Dragons, including four premium Chairman's Club tickets estimated at $1,760.
The Minister also attended two games in the Illawarra Hawks' NBL grand final series against Melbourne United, including the championship decider. His four tickets for these basketball matches were valued at $1,080. Additionally, Mr Park was gifted three tickets to the NRL grand final from Venues NSW, with a declared value of $1,500.
Cricket and Racing Events Add to Total
Beyond football and basketball, the Minister enjoyed two days of the Australia versus India Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His five tickets for this prestigious cricket event totaled $2,495. The declaration also included tickets to horse racing's Golden Eagle and Everest luncheon events, valued collectively at $1,900.
When combined with other portfolio-related functions, Mr Park's overall declaration reached $23,155 for the financial year. This represents a significant increase from his previous year's total of $16,610.
Minister Defends Attendance as Part of Official Duties
In response to the disclosures, Mr Park emphasized that his attendance at these events reflects his dual ministerial responsibilities. "The roles of Minister for Health and Minister for the Illawarra take me to a wide range of events, including community, charity, and sporting occasions," he stated. "These range from supporting frontline workers to cheering on the mighty Dragons and Hawks."
Comparative Disclosures from Other Illawarra MPs
The Register of Disclosures reveals varying levels of declared benefits among other regional representatives:
- Planning Minister Paul Scully received tickets to events including the opening night of Hamilton and five Illawarra Hawks matches, though he did not provide specific values for all items.
- Shellharbour MP Anna Watson declared just two tickets to a Wests-Manly NRL match at Leichhardt Oval.
- Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart mentioned seven events, including a local musical society production.
- Former Kiama MP Gareth Ward, at the time of filing, made no declarations.
For the second consecutive year, Mr Park's declared benefits appear to be the most substantial among Illawarra-based members of parliament. The disclosure system continues to provide transparency around the perks and privileges associated with political office in New South Wales.
