Big to host Commonwealth Games 2002 not to proceed

16/5/94

The State Government has decided not to proceed with the bid to hold the Commonwealth Games in Perth in the Year 2002.

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said today the Commonwealth Games Bid Working Party had recommended focusing the State's efforts instead on maximising the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics and bidding for major events.

The Government recently committed bids for the World Swimming Championships and the World Cycling Championships.

Mr Moore said the working party also recommended that the Government monitor developments with a view to bidding for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Moore said the working party - chaired by Town and Country Bank managing director Ray Turner - had decided that, given the current and possible contenders for 2002, Perth would be better placed following these other opportunities.

"This is not a change of heart about having the Commonwealth Games here, but more a recognition that likely contenders for the 2002 games (Adelaide, Manchester, and possibly an African nation) are better positioned," the Minister said.

"The working party was also mindful of the difficulties of mounting a successful bid to host the Games only two years after Sydney hosts the Olympics."

Australia had previously hosted the Empire or Commonwealth Games three times - in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962 and Brisbane in 1982.

The Minister congratulated the working party for its considerable deliberations on the issue, and has asked it to continue to monitor the situation and report to him.

Media contact:  Ross Storey 321 1444