The Victorian government has called for an investigation into Film Victoria after learning that the farewell party for former CEO Sandra Sdraulig ran up costs of more than $45,000.
Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher has written to Film Victoria's acting head Jenni Tosi demading the cancellation all future events and entertainment planned by the organisation, with a pending review into the board's expenses over the last two years.
The discovery of the cost of the March 22 gathering, which commemorated the end of Sdraulig's nine-year term with Film Victoria, was made following an FOI request made by the Opposition.
Labor spokesperson Emma Tyner told IF that the ALP had put in the request several weeks ago, but had not yet received the actual information – with the government first releasing it to the Herald Sun.
The Herald has reported that the party's expenses included $29,245 worth of food, wine, security and cleaning and a tribute DVD which cost more than $10,000 to produce.
Other costs included invitations – which were sent out to 280 people, flowers, vases and photographic services.
Minister Asher did not return calls.