Premier Mike Rann has begun his 2005 magical media world tour with an ‘announcement’ in the UK of something announced two months ago in Adelaide, according to Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“It is a shame the Premier has to justify his travels with re-announcements of old announcements,” Mr Lucas said.
Local television, radio and press yesterday and today featured news that British sports car manufacturer, Marcos Engineering, might build the $170,000 Marcos TSO GT at McLaren Vale south of Adelaide and quoted the Premier as saying negotiations with Marcos were well advanced with an announcement likely ‘soon’.
During the Clipsal 500 in March, Mr Rann staged a media event with the same car and Australian Performance Sportscars, which has a licensing agreement with Marcos, said it hoped to be manufacturing the vehicle in South Australia in 2006.
“History has shown Mr Rann clearly believes if something is worth announcing it’s worth announcing more than once,” Mr Lucas said.
“Day one of what he is promoting as a ‘trade mission’ and Mike Rann the media spin doctor is up to his old tricks
“Given Mr Rann’s stated policy of not providing financial assistance to companies, he needs to clarify whether or not financial assistance has been promised in this case.
“The Opposition welcomed the announcement last March that Australian Performance Sportscars was investigating local manufacture of the TSO GT in South Australia and we support their efforts to set up in this state.
“However, visits by the Premier and his entourage to overseas car factories for a repeat of an old announcement and yet another photo opportunity is a waste of taxpayer’s money.
“Let’s hope his entire trip isn’t going to be more of the same.”
