Games bill for public servants tops $500k

GOVERNMENT bureaucrats racked up a bill of more than $500,000 to stay on the Gold Coast during this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Figures obtained by News Corp reveal 83 public servants from the Office of the Commonwealth Games cost the taxpayer $385,000, while representatives from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation added a further $169,000 to the bill.

It equates to more than $300 a night for the fortnight and comes just weeks after News Corp revealed State Government ministers and their staff racked up an $81,000 bill during the sporting spectacular, including $720-anight suites for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Games Minister Kate Jones.

The public servants stayed in more humble lodgings, but still chalked up a hefty bill as Gold Coast hotel prices soared during the Games.

A spokesman for Ms Jones defended the bill, saying staff were required to perform various roles from 5am to midnight during the two weeks of the Games.

“The cost of accommodation and allowances for Queensland Government employees during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games were met within budget,” he said.

“These staff were primarily responsible for delivering the trade and investment program, Trade 2018, which hosted 38 international delegations.

“They managed 32 unique events including breakfast forums, panel discussions, industry site visits and evening functions on the Gold Coast.”

Staff also worked at Games headquarters at Ashmore and the main communications centre, as well as delivering protocol services for visiting dignitaries including Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.