Ex-Hawks AFL president Jeff Kennett slams $1.6million taxpayers spent on Shane Warne’s state funeral

Former Hawthorn president and Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has slammed the staging of Shane Warne‘s lavish state funeral in March last year after it emerged the memorial cost taxpayers $1.6million.

Speaking on 3AW to host Tony Jones, Kennett pointed to the fact that many Victorian residents are ‘still waiting for their houses to be built’ following flood or fire damage in recent years.

He acknowledged the significant sporting contribution of Warne across his decorated cricket career, but was adamant the money could have been better spent in other areas.

Warne’s emotional send-off following his death in Thailand from a heart attack aged jut 52 saw performances from musicians such as Elton John and Ed Sheeran – and more than 55,000 people filled the MCG to pay their respects.

‘I knew Shane, he was bigger than life in some sense, but when you [Victorian government] spend $1.6million on one person – forget who it is – who has already been rewarded by their country with honours, you have to ask is this an appropriate spend of money,’ Kennett said.

Former Hawthorn president and Victorian premier Jeff Kennett (pictured left) has slammed the Shane Warne’s state funeral in March last year after it cost taxpayers $1.6million

Warne’s emotional send-off following his death in Thailand from a heart attack aged just 52 saw performances from musicians such as Elton John and Ed Sheeran – and more than 55,000 people filled the MCG to pay their respects

Warne’s three children – Brooke, Summer and Jackson – all spoke at their father’s memorial service in touching scenes

‘State funerals were originally meant to be for ministers and those who were governors.

‘I maintain it is inappropriate that public money is spent on people who have made a contribution – but that has already been recognised.

‘For me, state funerals should be limited in terms of cost, or not staged at all.

‘To spend $1.6million on Shane is not in the public interest.’

Kennett’s comments follow Melbourne media personality Eddie McGuire defending the $1.6million price tag – as revealed by The Age – for Warne’s state funeral, saying the service did more than honour the cricket legend.

McGuire confirmed his production company JAM TV was allocated $1million to broadcast the service across the country and internationally but made a loss on the event.

But he defended the cost, saying it not only honoured Warne but allowed Victorians to mourn collectively.

‘In a lot of ways, we saw this as being Victoria’s funeral,’ McGuire told 3AW on Wednesday.

A production company owned by Eddie McGuire (pictured speaking at Warne’s service) was given $1million to broadcast the event nationally and internationally – with the ex-Collingwood boss insisting they ran at a loss  

The service for Warne (pictured left, with teammate Stuart MacGill) attracted tributes from celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Greg Norman and Kelly Slater  

McGuire said the service had to take place at the MCG because the Shane Warne Stand needed to be unveiled at the iconic sporting venue.

He also said the service promoted Melbourne to the world after years of lockdown.

‘It didn’t need to have these things done – no but we did because it went around the world,’ McGuire said.

‘We put our heart and soul into this because we loved Shane and we love this city.’

McGuire also denied his production company made any profit from the service, saying it instead ran at a loss.