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To go or not to Delhi 2010 should be up to individuals

Mark Arbib

by Mark Arbib

24 Sep 01:00pm

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Filed under: Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010, Sport, Terrorism

47 comments

Watching Robert de Castella win the marathon at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games is one of my favourite sporting memories. De Castella trailed two runners from Tanzania for most of the race, eventually powering home to win in the last 100 metres. It’s what the Commonwealth Games is all about.

The Government is not about to deny athletes the chance for glory such as this.

During the Republic debate in 1999, one of the most frequently asked questions was if Australia became a Republic could we still attend the Commonwealth Games? The answer of course was yes, but it showed how much the Commonwealth Games is part of our rich sporting history and national identity.

In just nine days, 390 Australian athletes will join 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 nations around the world to write the newest chapter in Commonwealth Games history.

For many, these Games in New Delhi represent the culmination of years of training and tireless work, of 4am wake-ups and countless laps of pools and running tracks.

On the issue of whether the team should travel to the games, it is important to understand that the decision must be made by individuals themselves. The Government cannot tell people not to compete. It can’t stop people from travelling.

Even when the Fraser Government called on Australian athletes to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, athletes still attended.

What the Australian Government can do, and is doing, is providing Australians with the best and most up-to-date information about the security environment in India so people can make informed decisions.

The Government’s travel advice urges Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution”. It says: “Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism”.

Our travel advice reflects the Government’s best assessment of the safety and security issues in India and I support the decision any athlete whether they decide to attend the games or not.

The Australian Government is of course aware of the health and security concerns people hold about the Games.

I share many of these concerns. As a Government we are working closely with officials from India and the Commonwealth Games Federation and the safety of Australians in India is our number one priority.

We encourage anyone going to the Games to register on smartraveller.gov.au for the most up to date travel advice.

Most commented

47 comments

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    • MarK says:

      01:09pm | 24/09/10

      No.

      You should make a decision and stick to it.

      Either it is safe, sanitary and in our interests to go or it is not.

      I hope like hell nothing bad happens to anyone participating in the games but don’t sign a caveat before hand and hide like a coward behind it.

      Grow a set and state what they should do. Not some pointless “it is their call” statement.

      Reply

    • Steph says:

      01:28pm | 24/09/10

      If I spent a great chunk of my life training & qualifying for the Aust team for the Comm games, I would not want some pollie deciding whether I can attend or not. You made the right call Mark Arbib.

      Keep your trap shut MarK.

    • Macca says:

      01:49pm | 24/09/10

      MarK, I normally enjoy your rantings, but on this position I cannot agree with you. The government can privately discuss with the athletes their opinions, but they are not in the position to tell them they cannot attend the games.

      Grandstanding diplomacy will get us nowhere in this situation. This is not a time for political point scoring

    • MarK says:

      01:55pm | 24/09/10

      Hai Steph.

      No.

      That is all.

      Arbib man up and make call.

    • fairsfair says:

      02:28pm | 24/09/10

      The government should have an official stance. That stance should not be make up your own mind. I would not expect the stance to be enforced if it was “don’t go” - but they should be seen to be offering decisive advice. If people fail to take that up - fine - but their should be a forman decision made from the top. Is that what you meant MarK?

    • MarK says:

      02:29pm | 24/09/10

      Macca I love a good rant.

      I also hate a pollie that comes out and writes a piece designed to ease his conscience and absolve him from blame if things turn pear shape. The fact that he likens this to Moscow just shows the extent he is prepared to go to run for cover.

      Two totally different circumstances. No one was suggesting a security concern there.

      All I want is for the government to come out (hahaha Arbib is the government after all) and say we advise this “xxxxxxx”

      I never said they should physically stop them. I said they should make a call on the best advice and be done with it.

      The rest is bullshit tbh.

      The real issue to be answered is how the hell we let India get the games and the why the hell wasn’t the damn thing looked at critically long ago.

    • Kelly says:

      03:10pm | 24/09/10

      MarK - stop blathering about “manning up”. He is, in fact, manning up by making a sensible statement. Unlike the posturing rubbish you propose.
      God forbid the government have people take responsibility for their own decisions and require them to make an informed decision.
      If you want your government to make decisions on your behalf you can not go against, move to North Korea.

    • dancan says:

      04:15pm | 24/09/10

      Mark needs a pollie in an office to man up and make decisions for him.  Love it.

    • MarK says:

      05:37pm | 24/09/10

      Hai Kelly.

      No.

      You are wrong.

      He is setting a narrative just in case something happens.

      “God forbid the government have people take responsibility for their own decisions and require them to make an informed decision. “

      Thanks for agreeing with me btw.

      “What the Australian Government can do, and is doing, is providing Australians with the best and most up-to-date information about the security environment in India so people can make informed decisions.”

      and

      “The Government’s travel advice urges Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution”. It says: “Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism”.

      Our travel advice reflects the Government’s best assessment of the safety and security issues in India and I support the decision any athlete whether they decide to attend the games or not.”

      Hmmmm. Sounds a bit wishy washy to me Kelly. Either it is safe to go or not.

      Thanks for the Nth Korea advice. Do they have high speed broadband there? Seems to be all the rage these days. Shame you missed my point.

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      07:02pm | 24/09/10

      MarK says:02:29pm; dribble…dribble…snivel…snivel… it never changes

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      08:48pm | 24/09/10

      @Rob
      “MarK says:02:29pm; dribble…dribble…snivel…snivel… it never changes”. Yeah we know what MarK says is dribble but it amuses us anyway….

    • Macca says:

      01:20pm | 24/09/10

      Enjoying the new Promotion, Mark. Whilst everyone is arguing about a speaker, you’ve actually had work to do. And I would have thought minister for sport would be an awesome gig, tough start.

      I’d like to know, Mr Arbib, as minister for sport, are you planning to attend the games at all?

      I think its too much for the Australian government to tell our athletes not to attend the games. Your position on the matter is probably correct.

      Reply

    • DaisyDuke says:

      01:21pm | 24/09/10

      The Government’s travel advice urges Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution”. It says: “Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism”.


      It also says this about all of South and Central America, Africa, the Middle East and some of Asia yet millions of tourists go to these places each year.

      Reply

    • KH says:

      01:35pm | 24/09/10

      Sure, but those places aren’t hosting events that will be broadcast all over the world, where terrorists can get the biggest bang for their buck.  I mean, why hit a market in some obscure south american country and get maybe half a dozen tourists, when there will be hundreds inside stadiums and buildings ripe for the picking?  And some of them are world class athletes, which makes it even more attractive.

    • DaisyDuke says:

      04:44pm | 24/09/10

      like the Olympics in Brazil?
      Or the World Cup in South Africa?

    • Rose says:

      01:21pm | 24/09/10

      If the government pulled the pin, there would be a huge backlash as it would seem more proof of a nanny state attitude. What the government needs to do is ensure that athletes are not penalized if they do withdraw, that their funding and place on future teams remains secure. That will enable athletes to be make a free and informed choice.

      Reply

    • Peter says:

      01:23pm | 24/09/10

      The Prime Minister should release any information she has regarding the possibility of a terrorist attack in Delhi and announce it. Obviously you guys are more concerned about your relationship with India than the lives of aussie athletes and aren’t brave enough to say don’t go!

      Reply

    • Joan says:

      01:31pm | 24/09/10

      You ditched the peoples PM Rudd and snubbed the voter, now you don’t have the guts to make a ministerial decision…. what a pussy foot after all… when it comes to making a real decision you can`t . It was Gillard in the end who knifed Rudd you just gave her a push to do it. Coward.

      Reply

    • T.Chong says:

      04:57pm | 24/09/10

      Time to move on Joan, time to move on. You still holding a candle for Rudd is noble, but starting to wear a little thin.
      Why dont you become a staffer / or spruiker for Rudd?, hand out flyers, organise fund raising morning teas etc for Kev.?
      Probaly better for you too. The grief you carry since June, must really be getting you down.

    • Joan says:

      07:37pm | 24/09/10

      Well T Chong at least with Rudd we had a government - today we have a circus with clowns masquarading as government in power. A laugh a minute thanks to Arbib and Co. Even Obama is giving this lot a miss and prefers to visit Indonesia rather than the Gillard, Swan, Oakshott, Brown, and Windsor sideshow,.  Obama has more time for Rudd than this motley stoogey mob.

    • Sonia Woodward says:

      01:31pm | 24/09/10

      I have actually been impressed with the Australian contingent. We always seem to be the first to complain and yet we are being practical and assisting to get the job done. Well done Monnas and co. Its still 9 days a way and I think they’ll get there. It wont be the best games ever but it will be an experience. I’m holding my judgment off until after the games.
      For me the biggest worry is denghue fever. Aussie commonwealth team brought to you by Aerogard!!!

      Reply

    • Andy says:

      01:32pm | 24/09/10

      He did not win in the last 100 metres.  He passed them well before the finish line.  Do you think he’d be celebrating like that with someone on his tail?

      Reply

    • Jacki says:

      01:40pm | 24/09/10

      To Quote
      “The Australian Government is of course aware of the health and security concerns people hold about the Games. “

      That is just rubbish..JG was not elected by the people, she was elected by 2 indies, namely Oakeshott and Windsor!!!

      They will be comprised In Delhi.
      Did anyone see Today Tonight a few days back?
      A reporter bought out of a car boot a device which would blow all of the stadium, he walked through the gates with this in a bag.. NO SECURITY OR POLICE stopped him.

      I say keep our “aussies” safe.
      One bridge collapased and also the stadium roof???

      Reply

    • Rosie says:

      01:47pm | 24/09/10

      Mark the faceless man telling us what we already know about our rich sporting history and national identity that we have always been extremely proud of.

      I am surprised that he hasn’t mentioned to look up the website for any information required for the safety of Australians wishing to travel to India for the Commonwealth Games like he has been answering when questioned.

      Some of us would like firm action not just warnings to excercise a high degree of caution and that Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism.

      Mark and the Govt have taken the easy way out by leaving Australians to make the difficult decision on whether to make the trip at their own risk or stay away from travelling to New Dehli.

      Reply

    • The Badger says:

      05:48pm | 24/09/10

      Rosie
      The website has the latest travel advisory information, rather than the last sound bite you heard, so pointing you there makes lots of sense.

      You might like firm action and I don’t doubt it, but others like to make their minds up themselves.

      I understand now why you are such a strident supporter of Abbott and his band of howard era misfits. Because they told you what to think and do and that worked a treat for you.

      You must be terribly lost in the land of Labor.

    • Rob r Charteris says:

      09:18am | 25/09/10

      Rosie will be telling us next that Delhi is all Julia Gillards fault. Along with the Earthquake in NZ, the recent floods in Victoria and Pakistan, Greece and Spains money woes, the employment crisis in the US and stupid leader of Iran’s speech to the UN.

    • Rosie says:

      12:08pm | 25/09/10

      Rob r Charteris

      Yeah it looks that way! Everything Gillard touches becomes controversial! The woman is bad news, Labor needs a change, bring on Stephen Smith, I like the man, he is decent and better represents Australia internationally.

      The Badger

      I think you meant the Rudd Labor Govt found themselves terribly lost so had to politically assassinate their leader for the incompetent Dithery Gillard.

    • Penny says:

      02:00pm | 24/09/10

      I can’t take anything that comes out of this guys mouth seriously. He’s a nasty little chap with more than sports on his agenda. I think he should be sent to Delhi to tell the PM over there that he’s not happy with their efforts face to face.

      Reply

    • Chewy says:

      02:46pm | 24/09/10

      “I think he should be sent to Delhi to tell the PM over there that he’s not happy with their efforts face to face. “
      @ Penny
      But thats not faceless smile !!

    • Louisa says:

      02:50pm | 24/09/10

      I’m with you Penny.

      BTW - does this Mark Arbib even play any type of sport?.... apart from sacking a PM

    • Cam says:

      02:35pm | 24/09/10

      Met him, have you?

      Reply

    • Stewart Henstock says:

      02:36pm | 24/09/10

      Ahhh…just like it was up to K-Rudd to decide to step down?
      Arbib…you’re a typical back stabbing politician.
      You know it’s not safe to go over but you don’t want to offend the Indians,so you just sit back and leave it to the athletes.

      Reply

    • Nigel Catchlove says:

      02:38pm | 24/09/10

      It’s quite interesting reading the diverse opinions on an emotionally charged situation but I think Mark Arbib is skirting around the issue.  Australian team involvement is a decision for the Australian Government - after all, it is taxpayers money that is funding attendance. 

      The Government uses our money to pay for transport, accomodation, meals, uniforms and additional security for the athletes, coaches and supporting adminstrative and medical staff.  Sure individual athletes can decide to opt-out and as Mark says it is their individual choice but I don’t understand how the Government can justify warning people to “exercise a high degree of caution” in India and then use taxpayers money to send people there.

      Can someone explain that contradiction please?

      Reply

    • karl says:

      02:49pm | 24/09/10

      id be more concerned about the state of the athletes village. looks a shocker

      Reply

    • Arnold Layne says:

      02:52pm | 24/09/10

      Bring back Kate Ellis!

      Reply

    • Gregg says:

      03:08pm | 24/09/10

      Mark,
      Whilst I agree it ought to be a decision for an individual/team, I would hope that there is more in depth official assessment going on than
      ”  What the Australian Government can do, and is doing, is providing Australians with the best and most up-to-date information about the security environment in India so people can make informed decisions.

      The Government’s travel advice urges Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution”. It says: “Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism”.
      Does the government in fact have Australian security assessment people assessing on the ground what the situation is and liasing with Indian security people so as there is an accurate assessment of just how well the Indians can respond to any perceived or actual threat for what happened in Mumbai was hardly encouraging and then just recently there has been an attack on a tourist bus in Delhi.

      There should be a far more detailed assessment reported for people to make up their own minds for it is the government that security agencies report to.

      Reply

    • Peppi says:

      03:20pm | 24/09/10

      I’d be in favor of sending Mark Arbib, Karl Bitar and the whole of the NSW right to Delhi. I’m we could find something useful for them there, perhaps use their unique talents to drain the mosquito infested swamps, soak up the excrement in the village, or perhaps crate a human bridge to the stadium, to replace the one that’s fallen down.

      Reply

    • JackieL says:

      05:59pm | 24/09/10

      Have you seen the mess that is the BER.  The fix will cost five times what it’s supposed to and, if pink batts are involved, well, I don’t want to be fatalistic but prepare yourself for the resultant fires.

      No, better Arbib and Co stay put thanks.

    • Ben G says:

      06:46pm | 24/09/10

      I’m with you mate.
      Who knows, maybe they might get Dehli Belly and when they come back they won’t be so full of you-know-what!

    • Ryan says:

      08:55pm | 26/09/10

      @Peppi: they wouldn’t want him there, he is too dirty!

    • thatmosis says:

      06:13am | 25/09/10

      I dont agree. Most athletes are in no mental state to make this decision as their whole life has been targetted on this meet and nothing else. How can anybody in this situation where they may believe it is their last chance or best chance at getting a medal make a rational choice. The Governing body has a duty of care to make sure that nothing happens to these people but in this case have failed them miserably. I hope they are safe but if not the people in charge should be held accountable.

      Reply

    • Drew(Darlinghurst) says:

      07:35am | 25/09/10

      Australian members of the Commonwealth Games Team are White Middle Class Prats bitching and moaning about the fact that the Village is “not up to scratch”....hello its a Third World Country.

      Suck it up.

      Plus these team members who train at the AIS ,train off the backs of us taxpayers. Its about time the Federal Govt introduce a HECS like scheme similar to Universities( is it fair that students studying Teaching or Nursing end up with a $20,000 Debt ...yet AIS members don’t pay a Cent??) for these moochers.

      raspberry

      Reply

    • Scot says:

      01:45pm | 25/09/10

      Yes Drew it is a third world Country like NSW is a third world state. What wonderful parallels we have, we can talk from experience and share our disdain. Yet India is saying in the global press it is top 4 ranking. I am sure if this is corruption or what. It sure is not anything else. I stooped doing business there in 1985 nd went to China. Nothing has changed in India. Too many PHD’s and nothing in the middle. This was once in a century for Delhi to polies and councils to rip off the system big time.

    • Jay says:

      09:27am | 25/09/10

      A world wide security and intelligence company is warning of an EXTREMELY high possibility of terrorist attacks. In my opinion, the Gov. should stop dancing around with the politics of this situation.  Mr Arbib, we know your gov is incapable of making the hard decisions and sway with the winds. Our atheletes safety should be your No 1 priority, so show us you have a backbone and advise the teams to stay home. This article you have written will not be your insurance policy.

      Reply

    • Amy says:

      09:44am | 26/09/10

      Meanwhile, in the telegraph this morning, Homeland Security Asia-Pacific spokesman Roger Henning was quoted as saying, “People shouldn’t wear an Aussie T-shirt, drape themselves in the Aussie flag, or draw attention to themselves in any other clothing which is identifiable as Australian” when in Delhi.  Looks like those horrible athlete outfits were a bad idea…

      Reply

    • Chan says:

      01:45pm | 07/02/12

      Hi JP the only peolpe I feel sorry for are the kids they are using as child laborers. Hey Nancie it's incredible, the organizers and fat cats have been too busy counting their profits, they haven't had time to check out the preparations.

      Reply

    • Blancha says:

      01:17pm | 10/02/12

      Why was India chsoen as a venue for these games in the first place? Someone really dropped the ball!

      Reply
 
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