Shane Warne’s MCG state funeral cost taxpayers $1.6 million

Shane Warne’s MCG state funeral cost taxpayers .6 million

A report concerning the price of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne’s state funeral has come beneath hearth amid revelations the farewell price Victorian taxpayers $1.6 million.

The report in The Age particulars newly launched public paperwork displaying the Victorian authorities forked out $2.8 million in whole for main state funerals final yr.

Warne died after struggling a coronary heart assault aged 52 in Thailand final March and was farewelled in a shifting public memorial on the MCG final March that was a becoming celebration of his life.

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While some had been shocked at the price of the service, many defended the expenditure arguing it was value each cent to honour an Australian icon in fashion.

Meanwhile, Victorian AFL journalist Rohan Connolly was seething on the report – arguing it unfairly targetted the king of spin.

“What’s the point of this story, really? What does it achieve? Poor taste IMO (in my opinion),” Connolly wrote.

Sports broadcaster Jim Wilson agreed with Connolly’s sentiment, writing on Twitter: “I was there and more than happy for my taxpayers money going towards this, can we show some respect.”

Eddie McGuire’s media firm JAM TV was paid $1 million to stage and produce the televised spectacle.

McGuire served as grasp of ceremonies, with Greta Bradman, the granddaughter of cricket icon Sir Donald Bradman, singing the nationwide anthem as round 50,000 individuals packed into the MCG.

Warne’s three youngsters — Brooke, Jackson and Summer — introduced your complete nation to tears with their heartfelt tributes.

The MCG’s Great Southern Stand was formally renamed the Shane Warne Stand on the memorial.

Warne was shut buddies with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Ed Sheeran and Elton John — who all carried out tribute songs through video hyperlink.

Warne’s farewell was the one state funeral in Victoria final yr to price greater than $1 million.

Other state funerals in Victoria final yr included the remembrance of the 4 cops killed in a horrific crash on the Eastern Freeway ($584,204), in addition to Indigenous icons Archie Roach ($254,170) and Jack Charles ($129,115).

Also honoured with state funerals had been lead singer of The Seekers Judith Durham ($79,567), boxing legend John Famechon ($67,347) and former MP Jane Garrett ($50,136).

“State memorials and funerals honour individuals’ outstanding service to Victoria – they afford Victorians an opportunity to mourn, celebrate and to recognise extraordinary contributions to our great state,” a Victorian Government spokesman mentioned.

Originally printed as Shane Warne’s MCG state funeral price taxpayers $1.6 million

Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au