Feds give in on Games testing cost

THE Federal Government will cover the cost of drug-testing athletes at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next year after a months-long stand-off with organisers.

Games bosses had threatened to send athletes’ samples to cheaper overseas laboratories, sparking a dispute with the Turnbull Government that was first revealed by the Gold Coast Bulletin in May.

At the time, Games chairman Peter Beattie said a testing laboratory in Sydney “charges like a wounded bull”.

“We want to guarantee we will get good value for money and, if pushed, we will have to go overseas,” Mr Beattie said.

Federal Sports Minister Greg Hunt initially refused to stump up extra money for testing in Australia but has relented because he wants a clean and fair Games.

The samples will now be tested by an approved World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory in Australia.

“The Turnbull Government will provide $1.8 million to ensure the highest quality antidoping testing (for the 2018 Commonwealth Games),’’ Mr Hunt said.

“This is a win for athletes and fans alike and locks in a clean and fair Commonwealth Games.

“The Turnbull Government has stepped in following a budget shortfall.

“Under the arrangements, the Australian Sports AntiDoping Authority and the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory will provide one of the most sophisticated anti-doping programs ever at a Commonwealth Games.

“We recognise that doping is a risk to athletes and a risk to the very legitimacy of the Commonwealth Games.

“Athletes and spectators alike deserve to know that every effort is being taken to ensure the competition is fair.”