The fact that no clear guidelines exist for the naming of major taxpayer-funded structures ensures that the decisions will almost always arouse controversy. The naming of the $1.45 billion stadium on the Burswood Peninsula is but the latest example.

If former premier Colin Barnett had his way, the structure would be known simply as ‘Perth Stadium’. His view is that the venue belongs to Western Australians, not corporate interests. Therefore, the name should identify the place, rather than a corporate entity.

The Labor government, however, was happy to sell-off the naming rights and get private sector money to spend on other programs. The reported $50 million contract over 10 years with Optus looks, on paper, to be a good deal; and Labor can blame Mr Barnett and his previous government for the necessity of grabbing every dollar. The record budget deficit and state debt illustrate the point.

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