FOREIGN Minister Kevin Rudd will discuss the millions allegedly owed to Australian firms for Commonwealth Games work during talks today with his Indian counterpart. Relations between Australia and India are already strained over violence against Indian students and Australia's refusal to sell the country uranium.
Mr Rudd will test the friendship further today by raising with External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna the substantial sums Australian companies say they are owed for contracts at last year's Games in Delhi.
“The Australian government is concerned to ensure that outstanding accounts relating to contracts for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games with Australian firms are settled,” Mr Rudd's spokeswoman said.
“Mr Rudd intends to discuss this issue with his Indian counterpart today.”
Major events organiser Ric Birch has reportedly commissioned law firm Slater and Gordon to draw up a multi-million dollar lawsuit that would involve at least four of Australia's biggest major event firms - including his firm Spectak Productions and fireworks group Howard & Sons - against Delhi organisers.
Australian Commonwealth Games Association CEO Perry Crosswhite has also confirmed the peak body is one of “30 or 40” similar Games bodies from around the world owed money by Delhi organisers.
Mr Rudd's discussion with Mr Krishna comes a day after Resources Minister Martin Ferguson delivered a resounding no to India on uranium exports.
“Regarding the export of uranium to India, the policy of the Australian government is clear - we will only supply uranium to countries that are signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and have signed a bilateral agreement with Australia. This is not a policy specific to India, it applies equally to all countries,” Mr Ferguson said.
