The New South Wales government has faced criticism from opposition parties for blocking calls to establish a parliamentary inquiry into the reduction of Moore Park golf course to create new public open space. The proposal to form a select committee was advanced by Opposition planning spokesman Chris Rath, who accused the Minns administration of withholding information related to the decision-making process behind the golf course changes.

Moore Park, one of Australia’s busiest public golf venues, saw the removal of six holes from its original 18-hole layout under the Moore Park South Establishment Plan announced in May. On July 1, fences were erected at the site, effectively reducing the course’s championship configuration to a smaller layout that will eventually include two of the removed holes following reconfiguration. The government’s plan reportedly involves transforming parts of the course into new parkland, with the Minns administration estimating the project's cost at approximately $50 million.

Rath expressed skepticism about the financial feasibility of the project, highlighting that earlier business cases forecasted costs exceeding $200 million. He questioned how the government intended to deliver the planned open space within the significantly reduced budget. Rath also noted the widespread popularity and accessibility of Moore Park golf course, emphasizing that it serves a broad public user base rather than functioning as a private club.

The opposition spokesperson further challenged the necessity of expanding open space at Moore Park, pointing out the proximity of existing green areas such as Centennial Park. According to Rath, this raises the question of whether the new parkland addition is sufficiently justified.

Another focus of Rath’s proposed inquiry relates to recent developments in adjacent suburbs. He referred specifically to a project announced on July 6 involving the construction of 870 apartments above the Moore Park Supa Centa, a development designated as state significant. The opposition seeks to explore potential connections between increased green open spaces and the approval of large-scale developments nearby.

Rath also indicated interest in calling Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to provide testimony in the inquiry. The mayor reportedly lobbied Premier Chris Minns in late 2022 to support reducing the golf course area in favor of creating new public spaces, a plan the government formally announced in 2023.

The Minns government has not publicly responded in detail to the opposition’s accusations or the calls for an inquiry, having blocked efforts to establish the select committee in the NSW upper house. Rath affirmed the opposition’s intention to revisit the matter when parliament resumes in September, pledging to pursue transparency and accountability regarding the changes at Moore Park.