Taxpayer Funding For Development, Not Subsidising Golf Pros

11 April 2014

Responding to today’s Fairfax report that golfer Lydia Ko is asking for more taxpayer support since turning pro than she received when she was an amateur, Jordan Williams, Executive of the Taxpayers’ Union, says:

"Golf is one of the richest sports in the world. Why should kiwi taxpayers, most of whom earn less than Ms Ko, subsidise someone earning hundreds of thousands? So far this year Ms Ko has collected more than $280,000 not including sponsorship money. Surely it’s enough for Ms Ko to refrain from seeking taxpayer funded welfare."

In the story, NZ Golf chief executive Dean Murphy noted it was common for professional athletes to receive taxpayer funding and he believed the opportunity to make money in a particular sport should not be a major consideration in an application.

"We're staggered by NZ Golf's attitude to taxpayers’ money. Taxpayer funding should focus on fostering talent, not subsidising professionals already earning hundreds of thousands. The money should be going to developing potential talent, not subsidising a sportswomen receiving generous amounts from corporate sponsors.”

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is a non-partisan activist group, dedicated to being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. It’s here to fight government waste and make sure New Zealanders get value for money from their tax dollar.

ENDS

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