NSW Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage Walt Secord today accused the Perrottet Government of a new low in political partisanship – with the State Government excluding all Labor electorates from its historical plaques program announced today.

All 17 plaques to be announced today are in Liberal, National or independent seats.  There is not a single Labor electorate – despite 763 overall nominations for the program.

Mr Secord was responding to a Sydney Morning Herald report on the NSW Minister for Heritage James Griffin announcing the next 17 plaques as part of World Heritage Day.

The list of 17 landmarks, people and events to be announced today include artist Brett Whiteley, the Camden Red Cross and First Nation activist Charles Perkins.

It is based on the London Blue Plaques program set up in 1866.  NSW blue plaques for Brett Whiteley, Ethel Turner and Charles Perkins (smh.com.au)

Mr Secord said:

“Last year, we saw the State Government engage in disgraceful behaviour in the distribution of arts and culture grants. Today, we see them continue the politicisation of the commemoration of Australian history and culture.

“Make no mistake, there is clear partisanship at play – as not a single plaque is in a Labor electorate.

“This takes petty, partisanship to a new level – and disrespects those in the community who spent hours preparing their nominations,” Mr Secord said.

“Out of the 763 nominations, there has to be at least one in a Labor electorate. This is extraordinary and petty.

“For the record, I do not object the 17 nominations, but I wish that the Perrottet Government had included a wider section of the community.”

In Budget Estimates (Portfolio No. 7) on March 1, Minister Griffin confirmed that the NSW Heritage has received 763 nominations.

Labor nominations included the historic Queen Street Heritage precinct in Campbelltown; the former migrant hostel at Fairy Meadow in the Illawarra; the Country Women’s Association in Maitland; and the historic Wollongong Post and Telegraph Office.