Not one of the 17 successful Blue Plaque sites are in Labor electorates, says the state opposition, which has accused the Perrottet Government of politicising the program.
The opposition says historical sites in NSW Labor electorates, including Campbelltown, have been snubbed in “a new low’’.
The program was inspired by the London Blue Plaques initiative and was designed to promote historically significant items throughout the state.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren said he nominated three sites in his electorate for the program.
They were Mawson Park, Glenalvon House and the Queen Street historical precinct (pictured above).
Mr Warren said all three would have been deserving recipients.
“I do not want to rob Peter to pay Paul, but I believe all three of those sites in Campbelltown would have certainly been worthy to be included on that list of 17,” he said.
“It’s disappointing that the government has used the program to score cheap political points rather than to promote historically significant items throughout the state – including here in Campbelltown.”
The locations of the 17 plaques were announced on the weekend and included the work of Camden Red Cross women during both world wars.
The seat of Camden is held by the Liberal Party’s Peter Sidgreaves.
Labor says that despite 763 nominations being made for the program, all 17 of the successful sites were located in Liberal, National or independent electorates.
Shadow minister for the arts and heritage Walt Secord said the decision to snub sites in Labor electorates was appalling.
“Last year, we saw the State Government engage in disgraceful behaviour in the distribution of arts and culture grants – now we see them continue the politicisation of the commemoration of Australian history and culture,” Mr Secord said.
“This takes petty partisanship to a new level – and disrespects those in the community who spent hours preparing their nominations,” Mr Secord said.
“For the record, I do not object to the 17 nominations, but I wish that the Perrottet Government had included a wider section of the community.”
