Opposition Leader Chris Minns has promised to scrap entrance fees to public viewpoints, with some families shelling out hundreds of dollars for the view.
More than 45,000 people are paying to see the fireworks around Sydney Harbor this year, with some paying as much as $595 for tickets.
Labor has pledged to make NYE fireworks at public viewing areas free. (Kieth McInnes / City of Sydney) Tickets can cost up to $70 in some places to watch the fireworks, and many hundreds of dollars at other events. (Getty)
Now the opposition wants to make New Year’s fireworks free for everyone again, eliminating the costs of specific locations.
“We have the most beautiful harbor and the most beautiful city, and every person should be able to enjoy it for free,” Minns said.
“This is what Labor will do if we are elected.
“No matter where you look at the fireworks around our harbor, it will be free.”
People wait for the New Year fireworks on Observatory Hill on Sydney Harbor on December 31, 2016. (Fairfax Media)
Deputy Labor leader Prue Car said with all the pressure on family budgets due to the rising cost of living, New Year’s celebrations should not come at a cost.
“Families deserve to celebrate the New Year without worrying about additional costs to the family budget,” he said.
Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet called the pledge “shameful” and claimed there were plenty of free lookouts around the harbour.
“If this is their big election politics, I mean it’s bread and circuses,” he said.
“More than half of the ticketed arrangements around the harbor are free plus all other viewpoints.”
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