Australia downplays prime minister’s travel advisory

Australia has sought to downplay Australian prime minister Julia Gillard’s travel advisory warning of terrorist threat to the Commonwealth Games.

“It is an unfortunate fact that big events will attract the attention of terrorists,” Australian high commissioner to India Peter Varghese said while defending the travel advisory.

The travel advisory was issued after an email, allegedly from Islamist terrorists, warned sportspersons of an imminent attack.

“We know that preparations are on in full swing. Be prepared... We are also making preparations... Participants in the Games will be responsible for the outcome,” the email said.

Numerous athletes, especially those participating in out-of-stadia events such as cycling, have withdrawn from the event after the threat email was received.

Varghese, however, said Australian officials were satisfied with the security arrangements India was making for the mega-sporting event. Australian officials have been coordinating with their Indian counterparts on the security arrangements. But the onus to protect the athletes lies on the Indian government, he said.

Meanwhile, Australia also plans to organise around 22 sector-specific meetings between Australian corporate officials and their Indian counterparts. In fact, some Australian firms involved in the Games preparations, have already made clear their preferences for lower bureaucratic control.

“The delays have perhaps showcased the areas that need to be improved,” said Richard MacDonald, head of Taiyo Membrane, India, which installed the cloth-like ceiling over the main stadium.

The work, which was supposed to be completed over a period of nine months in 2009, was completed only in the first six months of 2010. “India has so many different departments… It is a question of getting them coordinated,” MacDonald said.