A probity audit into the controversial 2018 Commonwealth Games ceremonies tender process hasn't dampened calls for Queensland's auditor-general to investigate the matter.
Failed bidders and Queensland's opposition are both hoping the auditor-general will look into how US company Jack Morton Worldwide (JMW) won the right to organise the opening and closing ceremonies for the games.
Concerns remain over the involvement of former JMW employees Mik Auckland and Celia Smith as technical advisers to the Gold Coast Games Corporation (GOLDOC) bid evaluation committee.
AAP understands a letter, from the three local firms who failed in the tender process, to Queensland's auditor-general queries the involvement of the husband-and-wife team, particularly Mr Auckland's involvement.
The pair, who have also worked for, or collaborated with, the head figures of the unsuccessful bid teams, strenuously deny claims of bias.
Key findings from a probity audit into the bid process were tabled in the Queensland parliament on Thursday.
While the audit says there was no conflict of interest present, it does concede there is the "potential for a perception of a conflict of interest".
Commonwealth Games minister Stirling Hinchliffe said he was satisfied the process was fair and in accordance with government principles.
However, he chastised GOLDOC's poor communication with the three unsuccessful bidders, saying telling them they were unsuccessful before Christmas and to expect a debrief sometime in the New Year was simply not good enough.
"Everyone should have been debriefed when they were notified, not handed a letter and told to wait till after Christmas," Mr Hinchliffe said.
Acting Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek said the probity audit wasn't independent and called on the state's auditor-general to complete his own investigation.
"It really does smack of a cover up," Mr Langbroek said of the audit.
"It's really not revealing any more information about the detail about how these ceremonies were awarded to the successful tenderer."
Mr Hinchliffe said he would welcome and assist if the auditor-general opts to investigate.
Share
