Tussle over Games funds

the responsibility of the State.

Goldoc chairman Peter Beattie said the impasse had put pressure on the Games budget.

Organisers have signed contracts with the Federal agencies for the spectrum management and background checks to ensure they can be completed, but say it will mean dipping into “contingency funds”.

Mr Beattie said Goldoc were not aware until after the bid stage that they would have to pay for the federal services.

“The Queensland Government is in discussions with the Feds, but regardless of that outcome Goldoc will not compromise the running of the Games,” he said.

“In anti-doping we are in discussions with Minister Hunt’s office for a subsidy relating to the costs of the Sydney testing laboratory.”

A spokesman for Federal Health and Sport Minister Greg Hunt said the State-Federal funding split had been formalised years ago.

“Testing during the Commonwealth Games is the responsibility of the Queensland Government – as has been a longstanding agreement between the State and Commonwealth,” he said.

“The Queensland Labor Government seems to be caught short and they are pointing the finger at everyone except themselves.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the State wanted to ensure the Games were safe.

“We are yet to hear back from the Turnbull Government about their funding contribution for background and security checks for people involved in the Games,” she said.

“I remain hopeful the Turnbull Government will do the right thing for the Gold Coast and to keep the public safe.”