Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to tell Queensland how much was spent to secure State of Origin opener

Queenslanders have a right to know how much was spent by the Palaszczuk Government on securing the State of Origin series opener for Townsville, writes The Editor. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Queensland 1, NSW 0. That’s a score line every Queenslander is happy to see before kick off for next week’s Origin opener, which the NRL has rightfully moved to Townsville in a huge coup for Covid-ravaged North Queensland.

The decision, announced on Monday, is the right call.

It’s a win for fans, the Queensland economy and for grassroots rugby league.

Townsville is a breeding ground for the code’s emerging talent and hosting Origin 1 will take the game to the next level, inspiring the next generation of Billy Slaters and Sam Thaidays

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is refusing to reveal how much was spent to secure the State of Origin series opener. Picture: Josh Woning

Allowing people in the regions to access a game they wouldn’t normally be able to, and recognising it was Queensland’s turn to host two matches, is in the spirit of the game, and the NRL is to be commended for this sound decision.

Reports Townsville hotel rooms are already being snapped up is a positive early sign for tourism operators there.

Tourism in North Queensland was hit hard by the pandemic, with international and interstate visitors grinding to a halt.

And while southern visitors have started to return, uncertainty over borders has had an impact on numbers.

So to hear hotel operators report phones ringing off the hook and no vacancy signs going up across town signals a welcome injection into the Townsville community.

But just how much value the Queensland economy will reap from this decision will never be known after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk refused to disclose how much the state government chipped in to secure the game.

Predictably, Blues coach Brad Fittler has already indicated he intends to use the change of venue as an excuse for defeat should the Maroons win. Sigh.

Yet while the relocation is a huge coup for Queensland and the Maroons, it remains unclear exactly how much the state government bid to get the match here.

Ms Palaszczuk and the QRL are to be commended for quickly jumping in with an impressive pitch, but Queenslanders have a right to know how much was spent to make this happen.

The cost should not be kept secret. After all, it is taxpayers’ money, not the government’s, that was spent to finalise the deal and we all have a right to know.

The State of Origin series opener will be held Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville after it was moved from Melbourne due to a COVID outbreak. Picture: Dave Acree

We can’t simply write a blank cheque for these things, no matter how much we want them.

We need to make sure they provide value for money, especially in these pandemic-addled economic times.

But it is impossible for taxpayers to make up their minds on whether hosting Origin in Townsville represents value for money when the government refuses to reveal how much it cost.

Regrettably, the Queensland government has form for this. It secured the AFL grand final for the Gabba when it was unable to be played at the MCG last year, but has consistently refused to confirm how much it cost.

Queensland can be proud of the role it played in helping the rugby league, AFL and netball competitions continue last year and this latest rescue mission only adds to that legacy.

But if we are going to be paying for it for generations, we have a right to know.