Comm Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe puts 2018 bosses on notice over event contract
COMMONWEALTH Games bosses have been put on notice by the State Government in the wake of the opening ceremony contract scandal.
Gold Coast
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A STATE Government-appointed watchdog is to keep an eye on deals done by Gold Coast Commonwealth Games organisers after a scandal erupted over the appointment of a US company to run the opening and closing ceremonies.
Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday ordered the Games management, GOLDOC, to meet with the state’s integrity commissioner Richard Bingham “in regard to conflict-of-interest issues”.
The State Government does not want a repeat of the opening ceremony contract scandal which erupted over a US company which was appointed to run the Games opening and closing ceremonies over local alternatives.
Mr Hinchliffe, who yesterday tabled in Parliament a letter to GOLDOC boss Nigel Chamier, said he was not happy with how GOLDOC had handled the process.
Mr Hinchliffe said a key area of accountability for the Games was “strong leadership at all levels, with a focus on ethical behaviour”.
“In order to demonstrate to the people of Queensland and the Government that GOLDOC meets high standards of ethical behaviour and integrity, I further request that GOLDOC nominate its senior officers to seek advice from the Office of Queensland Integrity Commissioner in order to ensure that no conflict of interest issues exist within the organisation,” he said.
“I recognised that GOLDOC is critical to the success of the Games and I understand that planning is well advanced.
“The Premier’s requirements in relation to this part of my portfolio are to deliver the Commonwealth Games within budget working collaboratively and transparently with partners and stakeholders.
“I am confident that this level of success will continue and that we will deliver the best Games ever in April, 2018.”
Boston-based company Jack Morton Worldwide won the lucrative contract for the ceremonies in December but it was soon revealed to have had two consultants involved in the selection process.
Mik Auckland and his wife Celia Smith were hired as technical advisers for the tender process and had both also worked for JMW for many years.
A staff member from accountancy firm BDO Australia completed a review of the tender last month which found the progress was “fair” but it was revealed he had also been hired by GOLDOC as a “probity adviser” on the evaluation panel, which received presentations from the parties bidding for the $29 million contract for the 2018 Games.
GOLDOC yesterday was unable to comment on Mr Hinchliffe’s letter.
However, Mr Chamier has agreed to implement the government’s statement of intent for the next year.
In a response to Mr Hinchcliffe’s letter, Mr Chamier wrote: “The GOLDOC Board will also continue its commitment to strong leadership and ethical behaviour as demonstrated in its Code of Conduct and governance of potential conflicts of interest.”
“Breaches of the code are considered a serious matter, potentially resulting in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of employment.
“I can also confirm that there has been an initial discussion with the Queensland Integrity Commissioner who has been invited to address the executive management team in regard to conflict of interest issues and his role generally.
“In conclusion I can assure you that GOLDOC is a professional organisation with dedicated staff fully committed to delivering an outstanding GC2018.”
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