Aust Commonwealth Games Association slammed over Games bid knock-back

7/8/96

Premier Richard Court says Western Australia's serious concerns about the contents of the endorsement contract have been treated with contempt by the Australian Commonwealth Games Association in their decision to exclude the State from the bidding process for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Court said the State had been penalised for protecting the interests of the taxpayers of WA.

"The endorsement contract we were asked to submit was akin to a blank cheque and, in our view, unsignable," he said.

"However, we were prepared to continue with the bid and work through the problems with the contract - but that was unacceptable to the Games Association.

"I find that astonishing.

"It would have been in the interests of all Australians for the committee to look at all the options before shutting the door on bids from WA and South Australia.

"Our bid was recognised by many commentators as arguably the best and by refusing to consider it further, the Association is denying Australian and Commonwealth sport the best possible choice."

Mr Court said he was extremely disappointed that attempts by him to try and discuss the State's concerns with Association president Mr Ray Godkin had been ignored.

"I will be watching with interest to see how events unfold with those States who have signed the endorsement contract," the Premier said.

"If there are any variations I would expect that WA and SA would be immediately reinstated into the bid process.

"I am sure Premier Brown will also be keeping a close eye on the process."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475