The Opposition is once again asking Peter Malinauskas to take a serious look at his relationship with the Adelaide 500 naming rights partner VAILO, after concerning claims were brought to light overnight.
This comes after the Opposition asked questions of the Premier in Parliament in June this year:
2024/25 Budget Estimates, 20 June 2024:
The Hon. D.J. Speirs: Given the revelations about the founder of VAILO's behaviour, in particular around not paying his taxation requirements, is the government concerned about that and does it plan to continue that sponsorship?
The Hon. P.B. Malinauskas: We are not concerned about it. I do not mind saying that having had the opportunity to speak to Aaron Hickmann on a number of occasions, his commitment to the event is something that we are very grateful for as a government.
It was reported in the Advertiser that on Wednesday 6 November, the offices of VAILO were raided by agents from the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Taxation Office.
“The Adelaide 500 is celebrated as one of the most successful major events for our state, and it should showcase the best of our city, not bring it under a cloud of disrepute” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.
“How long has the Premier been aware of these issues and what steps has he taken to ensure that the Government has not put one of South Australia’s major events at risk?
“This is not the first time the Premier has been questioned on this issue, only months ago he told us he had no concerns about VAILO. It is disappointing that these reports have now surfaced only days before the event is due to commence.
“We will be closely monitoring the situation as more facts come to light. We want to see the Adelaide 500 continue to be a successful event and mitigate any unnecessary brand damage to our state.”
