Queensland politicians and public servants must adhere to a strict ticketing code for government attendance at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones today released a ticketing policy to ensure strong public accountability for any tickets purchased by the Queensland Government. Ms. Jones said the Queensland Government’s Games ticketing policy would allow tickets to be purchased to host dignitaries such as members of the Royal Family and Heads of State, advance economic and trade relationships and support community programs.
“Queenslanders expect the highest level of accountability when it comes to government officials’ attending the Games,” Ms Jones commented “That’s why we have always said there will be no free, complimentary or discounted tickets for the Games. GOLDDOC will hold onto tickets that are purchased so that any that are not used will go back into the pool for public sale. Ahead of the ticket request phase which closed on 22 May, I wrote to all State Government Ministers and MPs to encourage them to enter the ballot to secure tickets for their personal use. We know the Games will create a great opportunity to grow trade and investment and deliver long lasting economic and community benefits for Queensland. All tickets purchased by the Queensland Government must fulfil this objective.”
Ms. Jones said any tickets purchased would be for the purpose of official business – not for personal use by MPs, ministers or their families. Ms. Jones went on to point out that under the ticketing policy key Ministers and MPs will be allocated dignitary hosting responsibilities at Games time – these elected members will be working to get positive outcomes for Queensland – pure and simple. Jones also added that an assessment panel made up of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and the Department of Premier and Cabinet will review and make recommendations to the Commonwealth Games Minister and Premier. Final ticket allocations will also be published on a publicly available ticket register.