Commonwealth Games consultants have been accused of bias after three home-grown companies were overlooked for the showpiece opening and closing ceremonies at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.
Renowned creative director Ric Birch, who managed the ceremonies at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has called for a review of the decision to give the tender to US-based global company Jack Morton Worldwide (JMW).
Mr Birch - along with fellow unsuccessful bidders Michael Cassel, David Atkins and Julie Brooks - have written to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to attack the evaluation panel and tender process.
In a joint letter, obtained by AAP, the three disgruntled losing bid teams drew specific attention to the Games organisers' appointment of two former London-based JMW staffers as consultants.
"It is obviously extremely unusual for three companies in this highly competitive field to be in agreement and is a sign of the deep disquiet we feel about the way that (Games organisers) GOLDOC has handled the tender," the letter reads.
They claim the inexperience within the evaluation panel made the consulting role of the former JMW staffers, who are both Australian, "even more pivotal", while also attacking the lack of input from high-level executives during the interview process.
The letter claims one of the consultants had been previously rejected by Cassell's company for a position which further meant he should have disqualified himself due to a conflict of interest.
The premier's department has referred the letter to the director-general of tourism, which oversees GOLDOC and the Commonwealth Games.
The criticism contained within the letter comes as Queensland's opposition took aim at GOLDOC and the state government for the appointment of the Boston-based company.
The Liberal National Party said it was a "slap in the face" for local companies who are better placed to tell a Gold Coast and Australian story on a world stage.
"We know there's some home-grown Queensland and Australian companies who could do this job standing on their head," said opposition spokesman Ian Walker.
The Games organisers on Sunday defended their decision, which was set to be announced next month, and rejected accusations of bias.
GOLDOC's head of communications Marcus Taylor said neither of the consultants were on the selection panel and stressed all the short-listed bid teams were Australian based.
Mr Taylor said while JMW is an international company, the winning bid came from their Australian affiliate which has been based Down Under since 1983.
He said JMW was a tried and true performer after co-ordinating the ceremonies at three of the last four Commonwealth Games, including the 2006 Melbourne Games, and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
"People have to remember it is an Australian company for one but the expectation is this is going to a global audience and therefore you want companies with a global footprint because you want to be drawing on the best on the world," Mr Taylor told AAP.
"The contractors and the program itself will all be driven out of the Gold Coast and Queensland markets."
Mr Birch co-ordinated the ceremonies at the 1982 Brisbane Games, the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
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