Labor to create public register for pollie Games tickets

A PUBLIC register will be created to show which state government politicians are attending events at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones will today announce all tickets purchased by the government to host dignitaries, support community programs and advance trade would be listed publicly.

Ms Jones said there would be no “freebies” for politicians and public servants.

“We know the Games will create a great opportunity to grow trade and investment and deliver long-lasting economic and community benefits for Queensland,” she said.

“All tickets purchased by the Queensland Government must fulfil this objective.”

The policy comes after the Gold Coast City Council came under fire when 1800 tickets were purchased for councillors.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate returned almost half of those tickets to Games organiser GOLDOC for public sale and is reviewing the use of the remaining tickets.

Ms Jones said GOLDOC would hold on to any tickets bought and those not allocated for official state business would be sold to the public.

Under the new policy key ministers and MPs will be allocated dignitary hosting responsibilities at Games times.

Tickets requested will then be assisted by a panel made up of representatives of the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Ms Jones and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will have final approval of the tickets.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said it was critical to show off the city to dignitaries and representatives from around the world.

“This is going to be a defining moment. We need to make sure we showcase the city to the people who are important.”

Mr Donovan said a significant amount of money had been spent already on the Games and it was important the Gold Coast was shown in it’s best light at the event.