OLYMPICS SPAT ERUPTS

AN ugly slanging match has erupted between state and federal governments over the Brisbane Olympics. The tiff was triggered by the potential make-up of an organising committee for the 2032 Games.

Ted O’Brien, who has been appointed as a commonwealth special envoy to co-ordinate the preparations, claimed the Queensland government was trying to stack the deck.

He sensationally threatened to pull out of a joint-funding arrangement for the $5bn major event. Queensland government minister Yvette D’Ath described the threat as “embarrassing”.

Ms D’Ath expressed her disappointment at Mr O’Brien’s remarks but said she was pleased he had already stepped back from them.

“Scott Morrison’s probably feeling very embarrassed this morning [when] one of his government members came out attacking a draft Bill,” she said.