2GB host Ben Fordham said a number of listeners of the Nine radio station had criticised the premier’s decision, calling it upsetting, embarrassing and disrespectful.
Minns defended his decision while talking to the breakfast radio host, arguing it costs between $80,000 and $100,000 to light up the sails.
”We’ve got to be mindful of where taxpayer money is spent and there were obviously other places and ways of commemorating the King’s event and I wish him all the best,” he said.
Minns added it wasn’t intentional to offend NSW residents by choosing not to light up the sails but rather a decision dependent on the “billions of dollars of debt” the state has.
He said since coming into office in March, the government has refused a number of proposals to light up the Opera House.
“I’d like to keep it for Australia and Australian moments of sacrifice and heroism for the country or when there is an important international event in Sydney,” he said.
The premier added the Opera House was lit up more than 70 times last year for events he didn’t feel were appropriate including the A-Leagues All-Stars event where Barcelona FC came to Sydney.
The Opera House sails were also lit up for other events including Queen Elizabeth II’s death, to show solidarity with Ukraine after the Russian invasion and when Olivia Newton-John died.
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In these cases, Minns argued it was appropriate to show solidarity during the war, to celebrate an Australian icon and the Queen’s service to the Commonwealth.
In the case of the coronation, Minns said it was merely a changing of government.
But Fordham argued the King’s coronation is a rare event for the state to celebrate.
“We are not a republic yet so is this our NSW or your NSW, who died and made you King?” Fordham asked.
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Minns said he is respectful of the new king but his government is mindful of where it spends money when the cost adds up for the NSW taxpayer.
”I’m not going to apologise for where we spend public money,” he said.
Other landmarks in Australia lit up for the coronation on Saturday night including Parliament House in Canberra, which shone royal purple.
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