Brisbane to host 2014 G-20
Baku, July 11 (AZERTAC). Sydney should get used to being beaten by Brisbane in the race to host major events, the Queensland city`s mayor said today, after trumping the southern capital to host the G20 summit.
Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk firmly rejected claims from New South Wales minister Brad Hazzard that the Queensland capital was selected to host the G20 for political reasons.
Ms Gillard this morning confirmed Brisbane would host the G20 summit in November 2014, estimating it would result in a $50 million cash injection into the city`s economy.
The decision to choose Brisbane was fiercely criticised by those south of the border, with Mr Hazzard, the NSW Planning and Infrastructure Minister, accusing the Prime Minister of playing politics.
Mr Hazzard said the decision was an attempt to reverse Labor`s poor performances in Queensland at the most recent state and federal elections.
Ms Gillard pointed out the city had more than two years to prepare, and she expected the community would get involved and want to volunteer.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman had little sympathy for NSW, saying the southern state`s loss was the sunshine state`s gain.
State Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the G20 summit would be an opportunity to showcase the state to the world.
The federal government would give the state additional funds to pay for the necessary security during the summit, Mr Newman said.
Ms Gillard said the Commonwealth had allocated $370 million for the cost of the G20.
Members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, audi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, Britain, the United States and the European Union.
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