As I indicated in the written response to a Question Without Notice asked on 22 June 2011 by the Honourable Mick Veitch and since supplied for publication, I am advised the decision by the Minister for Sport and Recreation to take control of the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority was to allay any concerns about the operation of facilities under the Authorities control, to guarantee outstanding payments to suppliers, and ensure stringent controls are in place regarding all future authority operations.

Newcastle business leaders Mr Glenn Turner (Chair), Mr Keith Lynch and Ms Catherine Tate were appointed to the Board of the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority on 6 July. The appointments are for an interim period of up to 12 months, whilst a longer term review of the Authority is undertaken.

Since the removal of the Authority's Board members Bob McGregor AM has been Acting General Manager of the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority with a senior executive from the Office of Communities assisting in managing the day-to-day operations.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring communities across the State continue to have access to high level sports and sporting facilities, but it is imperative that those in charge meet budgets and are fiscally responsible with taxpayer funds.