‘Territorians still aren’t being told the truth on what it cost’

TERRITORY leaders say the NT Government’s new report on the Arafura Games is a ‘narrow assessment’ which does not show the ‘true cost’ of the nine-day event

Terry Mills is critical over the report

TERRITORY leaders say the NT Government’s new report on the Arafura Games is a “narrow assessment” which does not show the “true cost” of the nine-day event.

The report shows the NT Government spent $7.2 million bringing back the competition.

Arafura Games Minister Natasha Fyles said the event was “success” as visitors spent $7.1 million while in the Territory and indirectly contributed an extra $6.53 million to the NT economy.

NT MLA Natasha Fyles said the event was a success. Picture: Justin Kennedy

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Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro slammed the report. “

The government expenditure figure details a $7.2 million direct expenditure but what about the indirect expenditure?” she said.

“Thirty-one pages of high gloss presentation and three months after the games finished and Territorians still aren’t being told the truth on what it cost.”

Independent MLA Terry Mills was equally critical. “

This is not a treasury assessment but a quite narrow assessment of the event itself by a consultant and doesn’t allow a deeper look at some important issues,” he said.

Mr Mills said a comprehensive report should be done to answer the questions in the 2011 review.

“The event was a success but you would expect a good event if you spent over $7 million,” he said.

“In 2011 2163 athletes competed; the games cost $3.5 million. In 2019 1762 athletes competed at a cost of $7.2 million.”

Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Bicknell was more optimistic.

“We sought feedback from our members, and it’s pretty clear that businesses around the CBD saw a benefit,” he said.

“There was a reasonable return on government investment at a time a year when thing are a little more quiet.”

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Mr Bicknell said businesses had “mixed feelings” about whether to run the games again.

“The government is in a situation that we need to look at our finances,” he added.