Normal for GC 2018 to hire expats: Coe

Oct 24, 2016 - 4:13 AM Sebastian Coe says it's only natural Gold Coast Commonwealth Games organisers would hire expats if they have proven experience delivering other major sporting events.

The 2018 Games Corporation came under fire last week when renowned ceremonies choreographer Ric Birch accused the organisation of overlooking Australian talent.

Birch, already upset after his bid to conduct the ceremonies was passed over for global American-based company Jack Morton Worldwide, suggested a cultural cringe after GOLDOC also chose their six top press operational officers from overseas.

It forced Gold Coast 2018 chairman Peter Beattie to defend his organisation's hiring protocols, which he said centred around filling roles with people possessing "impeccable qualifications and recent experiences applicable to the position".

IAAF president Coe, who was the London 2012 Olympics chairman, said it was "the very global nature of expertise" that GOLDOC would follow the pattern of past Games organisers in gravitating towards those who'd already served at successful events.

"Organising committees will always go for people who have the experience, have been through the process before and have been on the coalface of delivery," Coe told AAP.

"A good chunk of our teams in London and in Manchester at the Commonwealth Games, and subsequently in Glasgow, were Australian with Australian experience, particularly around Sydney.

"It is the very global nature of expertise, and that's a good thing because you want that expertise to make sure that each Games is slightly better in its difference from the one before.

"That's a good, lofty, noble ambition to have."

Birch, the former Sydney Olympics ringmaster who also directed the ceremonies at the Brisbane and Delhi Commonwealth Games, 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics, told News Corp the Gold Coast was acting like a second-tier city, making second-tier decisions.

He said it was "ridiculous" that a Games being run on a reduced budget was witnessing foreign appointments when the talent was available locally.

But Beattie said organisers had recruited only with the best skillset in mind.

"The fact that the press operations senior management team comprises several internationals is indicative of the experience and expertise these individuals bring to our organisation," Beattie said.

Source: AAP