Comm games tender call unlikely to change 20160113 p5txtk.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 10 years ago

Comm Games tender call unlikely to change

AAP

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Queensland's Commonwealth Games minister says a US company controversially appointed to produce the Gold Coast event's opening and closing ceremonies doesn't need to worry about a probity audit into the tender process.

Stirling Hinchliffe said auditors had come back to the government with advice, but wouldn't reveal details ahead of a scheduled announcement on Thursday.

"I've got to make sure I review it properly and get fully briefed by the director-general to whom that advice has been provided," Mr Hinchliffe said on Wednesday.

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"And I think that's the most appropriate thing to do."

When asked whether Boston-based global company Jack Morton Worldwide's (JMW) contract was "potentially in doubt now" following the advice, Mr Hinchliffe replied: "No."

"I'll talk to you about it further and the probity advice tomorrow," he told reporters.

The probity audit was prompted after three failed Australian teams - RBMC (Ric Birch and Michael Cassel), David Atkins Enterprises and JB World Events, headed by Julie Brooks - questioned the foreign company's appointment.

There was speculation consultants working as technical advisers for the Gold Coast Games' organising committee, Mik Auckland and Celia Smith, had a conflict of interest or undue influence in the decision.

The England-based husband-and-wife team, who run Red Thread Solutions, were previously employed by JMW.

However, they have since pointed out they had also worked for or collaborated with key figures in the three unsuccessful Australian firms shortlisted in the tender process.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said if the minister didn't release the full report publicly, the Liberal National Party would move a motion in parliament calling it to do so.

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"I think Queenslanders believe that that would be the right thing to do," he said.

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