Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie.
SCORE: C-
McKenzie entered his second year at the helm of the department with bold statements and ambitious rhetoric, but the follow‑through has been inconsistent and often overshadowed by optics rather than outcomes.
On the positive side, he reaffirmed his commitment to school‑level sport and grassroots cultural programmes, reiterating that taxpayer funds should focus on development rather than celebrity spectacle. That principle earned praise and remains a worthwhile direction.
However, the ministry’s execution raised multiple red flags. His earlier clampdown on “superfan” spending set a precedent, yet new travel‑ and accommodation‑related expenditures surfaced that drew scrutiny. His public transparency efforts — though commendable on paper — sometimes felt reactive rather than proactive, giving the impression of damage‑control rather than institutional change.
In the cultural arena, though local‑talent funding was touted, artists report delays and still‑unclear criteria for support, which undermines confidence in the department’s leadership. McKenzie’s communication style remains an Achilles’ heel.
His penchant for “funny‑vibe” commentary and social‑media theatrics may win clicks, but when they trigger online backlashes or distract from programme substance, they poorly reflect the dignity of the office. Policy goals risk being drowned out by PR incidents and optics‑mistakes.