Article about a Labor funding commitment for the Palais during the 2014 Victorian state election, featuring Jack Howard.

Author:  AAP, Herald Sun.

Date: 18 November 2014.

Original URL: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria-state-election-2014/victorian-state-election-2014labor-says-it-will-save-melbournes-palais/story-fnocxssc-1227126761390

Article Text

Labor has promised to contribute $13.4m towards the Palais Theatre restoration project.

Labor is promising a once-in-a-generation restoration of Melbourne’s historic Palais Theatre if it wins government.

Victorian party leader Daniel Andrews says he will contribute $13.4 million to a $26.7 million restoration project if Labor is elected on November 29.

Guy Sebastian is one of many artists to perform at the historic venue.

“The Palais is the heart and soul of live music in this city,” Mr Andrews said.

“This won’t be a patch-up job.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation restoration to give the building a new life.”

Labor member for Albert Park Martin Foley said the theatre, where he took his wife on their first date, held special memories for many people.

“This is not just an important part of the history of this community but Victoria’s cultural communities,” he said.

“This is so important to so many people. It’s part of not just people’s local lives here but all of Victorians’ lives.

“We’ve all got a story.” Hunters and Collectors rocker Jack Howard said the venue was worth the investment.

“It’s very special,” he said.

“It’s cheap to save a venue like this, so hopefully Dan’s going to do it.”

Rocker Tex Perkins who recently announced he is standing as an independent as part of a push to save the Palais Theatre, will gives his preferences to Labor as a result of the $13.4m pledge, The Age reports.

“I am very happy, it’s enough to start work and get us a long way into it. I always wanted to be usurped by someone, I never wanted to win. I’m very happy with the outcome. You don’t have to vote for me,” he said.

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