Gold Coast’s ‘short-changed’ Commonwealth Games in for a Budget boost

THE Federal Government has been accused of short-changing next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but this week’s Budget might remedy that.

Labor Senator Murray Watt says Commonwealth Games processes are being compromised by arguments over funding. Picture: Mike Batterham

THE Federal Government has been accused of short-changing next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but a major funding increase is set to be unveiled in this week’s Budget.

Queensland Labor Senator Murray Watt yesterday attacked the Government over a funding commitment that appeared to be less than the money given to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games a decade ago.

The then Howard government delivered $293 million for the 2006 Games; by comparison, the Turnbull Government has so far committed $251 million to the 2018 event.

Senator Watt said Games processes, including anti-doping testing and security and background checks on athletes and officials, were being compromised by arguments over funding.

“No one wants to see the integrity and the safety of the Commonwealth Games compromised by penny-pinching politicians,” he said.

The 2006 Melbourne Games (above) received $293 million in government funding, compared with $251 million so far committed for the Gold Coast Games next year.

A spokesman for Federal Sports Minister Greg Hunt, however, said the figures compared apples with oranges, and he hit back at Labor for offering no extra funding to the Games when they were in power.

The Government is adamant the Gold Coast Games will receive substantially more than the 2006 Games, when the figures included amounts for in-kind support and funding from other government bodies.

The Sunday Mail understands a multimillion-dollar increase to Games funding will be announced as part of Tuesday’s Budget.

Queensland Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones was reluctant to weigh into the debate, instead remaining optimistic that extra money would be forthcoming.

“Constructive negotiations are continuing with the Turnbull Government to finalise Commonwealth support,” Ms Jones said.