SA government accused of giving 'free lunch' to high-flyers at LIV Golf tournament
Media moguls, bank bosses and sporting stars were among those invited by the South Australian government to attend a corporate hospitality suite during this year's LIV Golf tournament, Freedom of Information (FOI) documents reveal.
The suite — dubbed the "Cellar Door" — is described on LIV Golf's website as an "elite hospitality" experience, featuring a "multi-course menu" and an "all-inclusive bar".
A state government spokesperson told ABC News the government was given an allocation of tickets to the Cellar Door as part of a contract to stage the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide.
The government has refused to reveal how much taxpayer money it spent to bring the event to SA, with Premier Peter Malinauskas previously telling reporters that publicising the details could prompt other states to offer more money to lure the tournament away.
FOI documents released to the state's opposition show the government invited a range of business leaders, media personalities and sporting stars to attend the Cellar Door across the three-day golfing event in February.
It claims the documents show the government gave a "free lunch" to some of Australia's "wealthiest people" during a cost-of-living crisis.
Invitees included Seven West Media chair Kerry Stokes, television presenter Eddie McGuire, the executive chair and executive editor of NewsCorp, the chief executives of the major banks, the CEOs of Qantas and Virgin Australia, and top representatives from mining and energy companies BHP and Santos.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas's brother Robert Malinauskas, who is the general manager of policy, public affairs and industry relations at retail and hospitality company Endeavour Group, was also invited, as was comedian and television presenter Tommy Little.
Other invitees included the chair and CEO of the Sydney Swans, top AFL executives, cricketers Travis Head and Alex Carey, and commentator and former tennis player Lleyton Hewitt.
A spokesperson for the state government said the guest list targeted the CEOs of top 100 ASX companies, as well as other people who conduct business in SA, or who could be attracted to invest in the state.
They said the government received advice from agencies including "Invest in SA" when determining who would be invited.
"LIV Golf provides the state an opportunity to showcase South Australia to business leaders around the country," the spokesperson said.
"Invitations were also provided to members of local golf clubs, media, community groups and others."
The spokesperson said the government did not pay for interstate guest's travel and accommodation, and not all invitees attended the event.
A 2024 LIV Golf document published online states one-day ticket prices for the Cellar Door started at $1,188.
The opposition's spokesperson for government accountability, Ben Hood, said the guest list comprised "some of the wealthiest people in Australia".
He said during a cost-of-living crisis, the government should have invited a broader cross-section of the community.
"What type of return on investment are South Australians getting for this free lunch and a bit of a boys club?"
Of the 102 guests who were invited, 12 were women.
The state government spokesperson said the guest list included "high profile women in leadership roles", including Vanessa Hudson and Shemara Wikramanayake.
Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson SC said it was not uncommon for governments across Australia to host influential business leaders at major sporting events.
He said governments should more proactively disclose how much money they spend on corporate suites, who they invite, and what the return on investment is for the taxpayer.
"Governments attracting rich and powerful people and mixing with them – it may be good for the state, but I wonder why," he said.
"It seems to me that if you're a rich and powerful businessperson, you don't do business because somebody gave you a good seat at a golf tournament, you do it because of the economic questions and the policy questions."
Asked what return on investment the LIV Golf corporate hospitality suite provided to taxpayers, the state government spokesperson said: "LIV Golf generated $71.1 million in economic benefit in 2024, and we expect that figure to grow again in 2025".
"Beyond that direct benefit, the event provided an opportunity to showcase and promote the state, and to discuss investment opportunities with domestic and international businesses."
Other FOI documents released to the opposition show who the government invited to attend its "South Australia Suite" at the Adelaide 500 motorsport carnival in November.
Invitees included small business owners, government department and union bosses, politicians, Country Fire Service volunteers and community group representatives.
Members of the media also accepted invitations, including some ABC staff.
Mr Hood said the Adelaide 500 invite list "rewarded" what he described as "hard-working South Australians".
"You compare that with the LIV Golf list [where] we are seeing some of the wealthiest people getting a free lunch," he said.
The government spokesperson said the Liberals were "enthusiastic recipients" of the Adelaide 500 corporate hospitality.
"[Opposition Leader] Vincent Tarzia was so concerned about the cost of the Adelaide 500 hospitality to taxpayers, that instead of declining his four-day ticket, he provided it to his political staffer Firas Shahin," they said.
"The Shadow Treasurer Sam Telfer decided to bring along Liberal Party Treasurer Sam Duluk.
"One Liberal requested six additional tickets to Sunday race day."
In 2023, the state government faced criticism after it spent an undisclosed sum to lure singer Sam Smith to perform at an exclusive gig at McLaren Vale, attended by competition winners and media personalities.
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