CHAPTER 6
1988 TO DECEMBER 1994

On 20 September 1988, the Hon. Kym Mayes MP, then Minister for Recreation and Sport, met representatives of the Soccer Federation. They told Mr Mayes that the Soccer Federation believed that soccer did not receive enough support. The Soccer Federation expected the Government to fund "a major facility development." At that time the Soccer Federation had no clear picture of its exact requirements. Mr Mayes discussed the options of redeveloping Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium or building a new stadium at Sports Park, Gepps Cross. Mr Mayes concluded that encouraging a major facility development would be a positive step. He proposed to commission a feasibility study "in cooperation with the Soccer Federation and Hindmarsh Council."

Adelaide City’s home ground was at that time Kensington Olympic Sports Field. It occupied the sports field for the six "winter" months of each year, with Athletics SA taking up the rest. Athletics and soccer became incompatible at the sports field when the National Soccer League changed soccer from a winter to a summer competition from October 1989. The solution adopted was to move Adelaide City to Hindmarsh. In October 1989, the Premier’s endorsement was sought and given for the Department of Recreation and Sport⁴⁷ to fund Athletics SA up to $750,000 to buy out Adelaide City’s lease and fund Adelaide City up to $460,000 to buy land in Manton Street.

APRIL 1989 - FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOCCER: HINDMARSH V GEPPS CROSS

A feasibility study to consider the two options of redeveloping Hindmarsh or building a new facility at Gepps Cross was prepared jointly by the South Australian Department of Housing and Construction,48 the Department of Recreation and Sport and the Soccer Federation. It was completed in April 1989 and found that:

• while reputed to be one of Australia’s best playing surfaces, Hindmarsh lacked amenities for spectators, members and officials;
• its capacity was 18,000 but only 1,500 seats were under cover;
• lighting did not meet colour television requirements;
• the standard of the facility was no longer commensurate with spectator demands and expectations at the international, national and local levels.  

The study costed the options of redeveloping Hindmarsh at $13 million and building a new facility at Gepps Cross at $17 million. The Soccer Federation preferred redeveloping Hindmarsh.

The study contained the following passage:49

"Should the upgrading of the Hindmarsh Stadium proceed it will be necessary to negotiate an arrangement between the SA Government, the Hindmarsh Council and the South Australian Soccer Federation whereby the interests of all parties are recognised and protected.

One option is for the Government to lease the stadium with its current improvements from the Council and enter into a sub-lease arrangement with the SA Soccer Federation.

The agreement between the SA Soccer Federation and the Government would be similar to that proposed for the Hockey/Lacrosse Complex giving responsibility for the financial management of the facility to the sport.

The SA Soccer Federation would enter into sub-lease arrangements with resident clubs. This proposal has been canvassed with representatives from the Council and the SA Soccer Federation and initial indications from both parties are positive.

This option, will require more detailed discussions with all parties concerned before a final ownership/management proposal can be agreed to."

The concept of the Government taking a lease from the Council50 would have given the Government protection in the event of default by the Soccer Federation under the lease and the ability to ensure that Hindmarsh Stadium continued to be used for the playing of soccer. That concept, raised in 1989, appeared briefly three times later,51 but was not implemented.

During 1989/90 Budget discussions, the Treasury Department informed the Department of Recreation and Sport that it did not support expenditure of the magnitude considered in the April 1989 Feasibility Study.52  The Department of Recreation and Sport then worked with the Soccer Federation to develop a smaller modified project at a cost of $3.9 million. In August 1989, Mr Mayes announced a $3.9 million package to "boost soccer headquarters" at Hindmarsh. The works included extension of the western grandstand by 300 seats to 1,800, construction of a new eastern grandstand of 2,800 seats, upgraded lighting to enable televising of night matches plus spectator and player amenities. Works were to be completed by June 1991.

The announcement included the following statement:53

"Included in the design concept of the eastern stand are seven shop-front tenancies, the development of which will be the responsibility of the South Australian Soccer Federation.

Income generated from these tenancies, corporate box sponsorship and other revenue sources will provide the SASF with a sound financial base from which to further develop Hindmarsh Stadium in the future."

In developing a smaller project, both the Department of Recreation and Sport and the Soccer Federation worked on the basis of April 1989 costs, which did not take into account escalation costs to completion over a staged construction. That led to a significant understatement of the real cost of the proposed works.

In November 1989, the Department of Recreation and Sport realised that the $3.9 million budget for the proposed redevelopment was insufficient. An upper limit of $6.2 million was estimated. A minute from the Chief Executive of the Department of Recreation and Sport to Mr Mayes, then Minister for Recreation and Sport, recorded that the Department considered the $6.2 million figure a high figure "with opportunity to decrease this by negotiation with the Soccer Federation about facilities and quality of finish." 54  It was planned to stage the project over three years.

In January 1990, the Department of Recreation and Sport sought approval from the Capital Works Budget Committee to undertake the proposed redevelopment at a cost of $6.2 million. On 5 February 1990, the Chairman of the Capital Works Budget Committee sent a minute to the Chief Executive of the Department in response to the Department’s submission for approval. That minute stated:

"It was, of course, most unfortunate that the Minister’s August 1989 statement was based on April 1989 costs, and that escalation to completion was not included in the figure. Of greater concern, however, is the fact that the $3.9 million figure significantly understates the cost, in April 1989 values, of the facilities now seen as being required. The Committee cannot stress too strongly the importance of project requirements being finalised before cost estimates are prepared..."

That minute also correctly pointed out to the Department that the Committee was not an approving body and only made recommendations to Government. Before it could make any recommendations, it would be necessary for a report to be prepared detailing and justifying the revised proposal. That proposal would need to be considered in the context of the Department’s other capital works proposals and the Government’s overall works program. Before any on-site work could begin, the project would need to be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for inquiry and report.

In March 1990, the Facilities Development Unit of the Department of Recreation and Sport prepared a Project Justification Report. It put the case for redevelopment of Hindmarsh in terms of stated Government policy:55

"To promote the development of a State-wide comprehensive recreation and sport system which will cater for all sections of the community…[with] the stated objective of continuing with a long range program to provide sports facilities to international standard[s]. One of the principal aims ... is to increase the number and standard of participation of people in recreation, sport and fitness activities. The provision of international standard facilities for use by players for both competition and training purposes is an important part of pursuing this aim."

It also stated that: 56

"An essential element of an international standard soccer facility is the provision of adequate lighting per medium of overhead lighting towers. The resultant lighting intensity is an essential component of spectator comfort and television coverage."

The proposed works no longer included the construction of a new eastern grandstand as had been publicly announced by Mr Mayes in August 1989.

As to management and control, it was proposed that the Government take a lease of the stadium from the Council and sub-lease it to the Soccer Federation, with management shared between the Department of Recreation and Sport and the Soccer Federation. That was a sound concept, previously raised in the April 1989 Feasibility Study,58  that twice briefly re-appeared but was never adequately pursued.59  There were no detailed proposals as to how this would work.

It also stated:60

"The Facility will be fully maintained by S.A. Soccer Federation in a manner which will ensure that its capital value and purpose are kept to the highest standard.

There will be no recurrent expenditure by S.A. Government."

Figures were stated as to attendance levels:61

"Attendances vary in accordance with the status of the match; e.g. International fixtures attract between 12-14 000 spectators. State Representative matches attract between 3-4 000 spectators. National Soccer League attract [sic] 3-4 000 spectators normally but this often increases to 10000. State Soccer League attracts up to 1000. Cup matches attracts [sic] up to 10000."

This proposal for the redevelopment of Hindmarsh Stadium advanced in the Project Justification Report did not ultimately proceed due to funding constraints.

The Project Justification Report was the most detailed and comprehensive consideration given by Government to the issues relevant to redeveloping the Hindmarsh Stadium.

MAY 1991 - PROPOSAL FOR PARTIAL UPGRADE FOR 1993 WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

In May 1991, Mr Mayes, the then Minister for Recreation and Sport, sought Cabinet approval to proceed with a partial upgrade of Hindmarsh to conform to "FIFA requirements"62  for the 1993 World Youth Championships at a cost of $890,000. The Cabinet submission did not specify what those FIFA requirements were. It stated:

"The S.A. Soccer Federation applied to the Federation Internationale De Football Association (F.I.F.A.) to have the Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium accepted as a venue for the 1993 World Youth Soccer Championships.

F.I.F.A. inspected the facility and noted as a general impression that ‘for the moment, this stadium is unsuitable for this championship…

’The Department…has developed plans over the past two years for a total redevelopment of the Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium. This has not been proceeded with due to funding constraints…

This proposal has been drawn from the plans for the total redevelopment of Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium. … Further development is planned as and when Capital Funds become available."

Treasury did not support the project proceeding at that time and questioned whether it warranted sufficient priority in the difficult budgetary position facing the State. Treasury argued that as soccer was a semi-professional sport, it ought to contribute to the cost of upgrading its premier facility. Despite Treasury opposition, Cabinet approved expenditure of $890,000.

• new lighting suitable for television (1,200 Lux minimum);
• new VIP seating in the western grandstand;
• 8 new corporate boxes;
• a drug testing room;
• new change room facilities for players;
• an enclosed players' race area;
• improved catering facilities on the western side of the ground; and
• 3,000 fixed seats on the eastern terrace.

Between 5 and 20 March 1993, the World Youth Championship was held in Australia. Seven matches were hosted at Hindmarsh Stadium.

On 1 July 1993, the Department of Recreation and Sport was abolished and became the Recreation, Sport and Racing Division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Department’s employees were transferred to the new Division. The Chief Executive Officer of that Division continued to be responsible to and subject to the direction of the Hon. Greg Crafter MP, then Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. After the restructure, it was referred to in correspondence as the "Department of Recreation, Sport and Racing".

On 2 August 1993, the Corporation of the Town of Hindmarsh amalgamated with the Corporation of the City of Woodville to form a new council named the City of Hindmarsh and Woodville. Mr John Dyer, the former Mayor of the City of Woodville, was appointed Mayor of the new council.

On 2 September 1993, it was announced that Sydney had secured the 2000 Olympic Games. The bid document submitted to the International Olympic Committee named Adelaide as one of the possible host venues for matches in the Olympic Soccer Tournament.

By October 1993, discussions were under way between the Division of Recreation, Sport and Racing and the Soccer Federation about the redevelopment of Hindmarsh to accommodate matches during the Sydney Olympics. The construction of a new eastern grandstand as part of a staged four grandstand redevelopment was discussed.

In the ensuing three years there was considerable tension between the various participants’ perceptions of whether the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games had committed to staging Olympic soccer in South Australia and whether the State Government had committed to providing financial assistance to ensure that occurred. The Soccer Federation regarded both as well established by October 1993:63

"As reported earlier it was noted that Sydney had been successful in their bid to host the Year 2000 Olympic Games.

It was further noted that Soccer is the only sport which will be ‘decentralised’ from Sydney and a group participate in Adelaide.

For Adelaide to host a group in the Year 2000 Olympics the stadium will require extensive renovations as FIFA regulations provide that all international matches which have FIFA sanction are to be played in Stadiums which provide the necessary facilities, in particular, seating.

The Chairman advised that he had discussed the matter with the Premier of South Australia who had given a verbal undertaking to him that any expenditure on any stadium in Adelaide for the playing of Soccer in the Olympic games would only be made at the Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium.

The Commissioners requested that the Chairman obtain the same commitment at a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition."

On 22 November 1993, the Department of Housing and Construction (SACON) was abolished. On 20 December 1993, a new Department for Housing and Construction was established incorporating all the employees and functions of the former administrative unit.

On 9 December 1993, Mr Crafter, then Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing wrote to the Soccer Federation stating that he was:

"…pleased to advise that the Government of South Australia is committed to upgrade the Hindmarsh Stadium to full international standard".

He wrote that he had instructed his departmental officers to prepare a brief to redevelop Hindmarsh Stadium to ensure qualifying and quarter final matches for the 2000 Olympics were played in South Australia. The eastern grandstand was to receive priority as the first stage to be constructed.

On 14 December 1993, following the State election, the Labor ministers formally resigned and the new Liberal ministers were appointed. The Hon. Dean Brown MP became Premier. Mr Crafter resigned as Minister of Recreation and Sport. The Hon. John Oswald MP was appointed as Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

On 19 December 1993 following the change of Government, the Division for Recreation, Sport and Racing was separated from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and established as an administrative unit in its own right pursuant to the Government Management and Employment Act 1985. Its assets and rights were vested in, its obligations attached to and its employees transferred to the new Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. The Chief Executive Officer of the Office was responsible to and subject to the direction of the new Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Mr Oswald.

On 20 December 1993, the title of the Treasury Department was altered to the Department of Treasury and Finance.

In January 1994, Mr Neil McGachey, then General Manager64  of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, obtained approval from the Minister to commence negotiations with the Soccer Federation and the Hindmarsh and Woodville Council for the Government to take over the lease of the stadium.  In a minute to the Minister, Mr McGachey stated:65

"The Hindmarsh Stadium is Council owned and is leased to the South Australian Soccer Federation and it would be appropriate at this stage to begin negotiations with Council and the Federation to ensure that Government interests are protected. This would be in order to avoid a repeat of the Olympic Sports Field saga whereby it appears that Athletics SA will not be in a position to continue to utilise OSF at the end of 1994 and approximately $2M worth of asset which was a contribution by the State and Federal Government and Athletics SA could be lost.

I would, therefore, propose that the Government, through Recreation, Sport and Racing hold the lease over Hindmarsh Stadium and enter into a sub-lease arrangement with the Federation in order to protect the State and Federal commitments to this Stadium".

FEBRUARY 1994 - SOCCER FEDERATION’S SUBMISSION TO MINISTER OSWALD

In January 1994, the Soccer Federation was preparing final plans and costings for its four staged development proposal for the upgrading of Hindmarsh Stadium for the 2000 Olympics and waiting on FIFA to send requirements for stadia hosting international matches. The Soccer Federation had allocated its Commissioner, Mr Les Avory, responsibility for working out the parameters of the redevelopment and putting them in a report.

On 14 February 1994, the Soccer Federation presented Mr Oswald, then Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, with its submission entitled "Qualification Upgrading Requirements For The Hindmarsh Stadium For the Year 2000 Olympic Games".66

The Soccer Federation President’s Message at the front of this submission stated that the Soccer Federation had been invited by the Australian Soccer Federation67  to host a section of Olympic soccer "subject to the upgrading of the Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium to conform with strict F.I.F.A. guidelines. … Unless the Hindmarsh Soccer Stadium is upgraded to these F.I.F.A. requirements South Australia is going to continually miss out on hosting important International [sic] matches."  On the other hand, if it were upgraded there would be no question that Soccer Australia would look favourably at allocating international matches to South Australia regularly.

The Soccer Federation submission proposed an upgrade to conform to FIFA standards. It stated that:68

"In order to achieve our goal we will require to construct, [sic] on a phased basis, a stadium capable of housing 22,000 spectators – seated, together with the necessary public facilities and amenities – in the following way:

PHASE ONE Construction of Eastern Grandstand.
PHASE TWO: Extension of Western Grandstand
PHASE THREE: Construction of Northern Grandstand.
PHASE FOUR: Construction of Southern Grandstand."

Apart from several anecdotal examples of the current stadium’s deficiencies, there was no definition or explanation as to what the strict FIFA requirements were.

The Soccer Federation’s submission estimated the total cost of construction of the four phased redevelopment at $22.5 million. It stated that it was envisaged that $250,000 per annum could be generated from a Capital Improvement Fund that the Soccer Federation would establish by levying 5 percent of all gross income generated by any event or match played at Hindmarsh. The Soccer Federation otherwise required a Government grant as it did not have the resources to contribute to capital improvements of the stadium.

The Soccer Federation’s submission positively stated that Hindmarsh was the only stadium in Australia which provided exclusively for soccer. There was no analysis of why this was a positive factor.70

The Soccer Federation’s submission also stated that the Soccer Federation currently leased the stadium until 1999. This lease was about to be extended and a new lease drawn for 25 years, giving the Soccer Federation "security of tenure" at Hindmarsh.

FEBRUARY 1994 - SACON PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY ESTIMATE OF $30.75 MILLION

In late February 1994, SACON 72  prepared a preliminary feasibility estimate for the upgrade at Hindmarsh to FIFA standards at the joint request of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and the Soccer Federation. This costing advice was sought for a Cabinet submission.

• The proposal was to accommodate 25,000 spectators within the broad guidelines of FIFA;
• The key findings made in the April 1989 Feasibility Study were used as part of SACON’s investigation;
• Preliminary schematics were prepared and based on the information and brief provided by the Soccer Federation Commissioner, Mr Avory.  

SACON concluded that early investigation indicated that a four staged project for construction of a 23,750 spectator stadium with two-tiered stands on the northern, southern and eastern sides would cost $30.75 million, based on current rates and data drawn from recently completed stadia in Adelaide and Sydney. The basis of this conclusion was not articulated in the report.

Nor was any explanation given to reconcile SACON’s costings with the $22.5 million estimate made in the February 1994 Soccer Federation Submission or the inconsistency between quoted FIFA requirements for stadium capacity of 22,000 or 25,000 or 23,750 seats.

The report attached a notional program that contemplated as part of the initial project process a submission to Cabinet, preparation of a brief and a feasibility study.

MARCH 1994 - MR ELLIS’ REVIEW OF PROPOSALS TO UPGRADE HINDMARSH

On 31 March 1994, Mr Terry Ellis, a consultant retained by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, provided a review of the April 1989 Feasibility Study and the Soccer Federation’s February 1994 Submission. The review was scathing. In Mr Ellis’ opinion:

• The estimates of use did not justify a stadium with 23,750 seats:73

"The theory that ‘if facilities are provided - the show will follow’ is not necessarily true. The facility proposed would doubtless be the best in Australia, but the estimates of use do not seem to relate to the size proposed. For example, a maximum of 18,000 patrons on 4 occasions (April 89 Report) and 19 occasions of 5,000 patrons is a stadium of 23,750 capacity.

It seems false economy to build a facility to a maximum demand level for, perhaps one use per year. As other sports have shown that demand problem is easier to manage than the problems of security, cleaning and loss of ambience when 4-5000 are spread throughout a large facility."

• On the basis of the costs involved, a proposal for a 5 percent levy would require gross income of $5 million. That income was not established on the information Mr Ellis had seen.
• The cost of the project, $1,500 per seat, was excessive given the anticipated use.
• Dual usage of the then proposed Athletic Centre should be considered for major events and a minor upgrade to Hindmarsh to avoid cost duplication.
• The car parking and traffic problems were so serious that an alternate site should be seriously considered:74

"The cost of the desired project is excessive for the use and the scale is ambitious for the location; …

The traffic and carparking problem should over-ride any other and must be resolved before any serious consideration is given to remaining, let alone expanding, on the Hindmarsh Site."

• The April 1989 Feasibility Report was deficient because it did not provide any detailed proposals as to cost repayment, ownership or rights and conditions of use.
• The costs had risen from $13 million in April 1989 to $22.5 million in 1993 and $30.7 million in February 1994 without any major change in the proposal.  

Mr Ellis also observed that it was surprising that the proposals did not put forward the concept of a  loan or equity. If the sport was as popular as suggested and had the potential stated, then it should have some ability to pay for the facilities. Mr Ellis recommended that the Soccer Federation prepare 10 year income/expenditure projections to establish whether or not there was an ability to pay and to prove the Soccer Federation’s viability so that the Government did not face an annual "bail out".75

Mr Ellis’ review was not detailed. It was one consultant’s comments on the Soccer Federation’s own partisan report. It probably overstated concerns about car parking. However, its two key points remain valid even as this Report is published, first in respect of the long term demand for the stadium and second, in respect of the Soccer Federation’s ability to contribute to the cost.

According to Mr Tony Farrugia, General Manager of the Soccer Federation, the Soccer Federation was not consulted about, or provided with a copy of Mr Ellis’ review.

In May 1994, the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, prepared a Cabinet submission for Mr Oswald, then Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, recommending that Cabinet note the possible budget impact of proposals to upgrade two major sporting facilities for soccer and netball. The draft submission very briefly outlined the four Stage phased project for soccer, consistent with the February 1994 Soccer Federation Submission at an estimated cost of $22.5 million. While SACON’s initial costings were referred to, no mention was made of SACON’s February 1994 estimate of $30.75 million. The proposed first stage was construction of a new eastern grandstand in the 1994/5 year at a cost of $6.75 million. That was said to be necessary to achieve completion of all four stages in time for the 2000 Olympics.

Detailed submissions were promised when all avenues of funding had been fully explored.76

MAY 1994 - REQUEST FOR $6.7 MILLION GRANT

By late May 1994, the Soccer Federation knew that there was no Federal funding available for the upgrade. Following a meeting with Mr Oswald, then Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, the Soccer Federation understood that the Minister would make a request to the Department of Treasury and Finance for a grant in 1995/6 of $6.7 million to build a new eastern stand.

There was bi-partisan support for the redevelopment of Hindmarsh Stadium. Mr Kevin Foley MP, Shadow Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, urged the Government to do everything possible to assist the Soccer Federation in its endeavours to upgrade Hindmarsh to a world class facility.

The Soccer Federation planned to continue its ongoing negotiations with Federal and State Governments to ensure the project actually proceeded.

By July 1994, the Soccer Federation had not received a firm commitment from either the State or Federal Government. Adelaide City thought it was clear that the upgrade and whether Adelaide would host a group for the Olympics was "very speculative and up in the air".  Yet the Soccer Federation was still hopeful, even though it knew that there were no funds available for any works in excess of $3 million in the current budget year.  The Soccer Federation continued to lobby for the redevelopment and was encouraged by Minister Oswald’s indication that he would seek an amount to build the eastern stand as a minimum requirement for the 2000 Olympics from the 1995/6 Capital Works Budget.

The Soccer Federation went so far as to propose to Minister Oswald that the relocation and building costs for the Soccer Federation’s offices be paid by the Soccer Federation until such time as the building of the new eastern grandstand (or any other redevelopment in excess of $3 million). It proposed that the Soccer Federation would then be entitled to recoup $200,000 of that cost in repayment for their contribution to works from the redevelopment funds.79  In discussions with Adelaide City, the Soccer Federation sought $200,000 from Adelaide City pending reimbursement by the Government.80  Understandably, Adelaide City was unhappy with the security of this proposal.81  The Soccer Federation’s proposal to Minister Oswald did not lead anywhere at that time because there were no funds available in the 1994/5 Capital Works Budget.82

For several months, the Soccer Federation did not receive any commitment for a Government funded upgrade. On 15 November 1994, representatives of the Soccer Federation met with Minister Oswald to discuss the Soccer Federation’s redevelopment proposals for the 2000 Olympics.

Mr Michael Scott, then Chief Executive of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing,83 made a file note of that meeting. It recorded that the Soccer Federation requested a $6.75 million eastern stand upgrade, to take the stadium to a capacity of 10,000 (6,000 seated on the eastern side). If Federal funding was unavailable for the north and south sections, the Soccer Federation would look within its own resources to fund this seating. That file note further stated:

"The Minister advised that he would be prepared to seek Cabinet’s in principle approval on this matter [for the $6.75 million upgrade]. It was also noted that any Cabinet approval would need to be subject to Adelaide securing the rights to host a qualifying round in the Men’s Soccer Tournament in the 2000 Olympic Games."

The Soccer Federation’s records84  reported that the Minister had indicated that the building of a new eastern grandstand was a priority for the South Australian Government and would be taken up by Cabinet and Treasury.

The Soccer Federation by this time had adopted an expedient approach to realising their "dream"85 of completing the redevelopment. It focused on pursuing the first stage of the phased development so as not to miss out altogether.

However, the Soccer Federation still wished to pursue the full phased redevelopment and made itsintentions clear to the South Australian Government at the highest levels.86

30 JUNE 1994 – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT

In May 1994, the Government approved changes to the structure and mandate of the Department for Housing and Construction. The revised structure and mandate provided for a central policy and advisory capacity, risk management capabilities, and a small service function.87

On 30 June 1994, the title of the Department for Housing and Construction was altered to the Department for Building Management. Its Chief Executive Officer was then responsible to the Minister for Tourism and Industrial Affairs. One of the business units comprising the Department was Consultancy Services to provide project and risk management services, contract management, asset management planning and provides a superintendent role to Government on contract administration.88

On 27 October 1994, Mr Tony Farrugia, General Manager of the Soccer Federation, sent a letter to Minister Oswald stating that Mr Bob Elphinston, then General Manager – Games Operation, SOCOG, had been told by Mr Sepp Blatter, General Secretary of FIFA, that FIFA would not allow matches to be staged on temporary facilities. According to Mr Farrugia, Mr Elphinston had in turn repeated that conversation to Mr David MacFarlane, then of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

On the day that the Soccer Federation wrote that letter, the FIFA Executive Committee passed a resolution to permit the use of temporary stands, directly contrary to Mr Farrugia's letter.89  Ultimately, the final plans for the hosting of qualifying matches in the 2000 Olympic Soccer Tournament in Adelaide did involve some temporary facilities.

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