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- NATIONAL
Race is on to share in Beijing's billions
A Chinese girl was among millions of revellers celebrating into the night across China after Beijing won the IOC vote to host the 2008 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP
By Alex Mitchell, Jim O'Rourke And Miranda Wood
Australian companies are on the starting blocks to take part in the gold rush unleashed by Beijing's stunning victory to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
China will spend $100 billion over the next seven years and Aussie companies could win $3billion worth of contracts, according to Austrade.
In yesterday's upbeat business announcement, Austrade said Australian companies could use their Sydney Games know-how to provide specialised skills in environmental protection, transport, telecommunications and sports venues.
The Australian Government officially congratulated Beijing on its win, with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer saying: "Australia hopes to work with China to promote a harmonious, athlete-oriented and environmentally-focused Games in 2008.
"Cutting China out of the international community will not secure better human rights outcomes in China."
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Australian Olympic athletes gave a mixed response to the Beijing victory with swimming greats Dawn Fraser and Kieren Perkins taking opposing views.
Fraser, who was ambassador to the Australian Olympic team at the 2000 Sydney Games, told The Sun-Herald: "I wasn't for Beijing winning the Games because of the human rights problems they have up there. I'm sorry they got it.
"I don't think they've cleaned up the drug problems that they've had, especially in swimming.
"The IOC members who voted for Beijing have something to answer for."
But former 1500m world record-holder Perkins said: "I think it's great. I always thought Beijing should be given a chance to hold the Olympics. One of the big problems is the lack of knowledge and understanding we have of China when it comes to us about them and also them about us.
"It also needs to be stated that the Olympic Games should always be a non-political event and ... when you take away the political factors, including human rights and those kind of things, China did have the best bid."
Sprinter Cathy Freeman was delighted, after declaring her support for China 17 days ago.
"I am certain Beijing is the right choice," said Freeman, whose great great-grandfather came to Australia from the Canton province in China in the 1880s. "The Olympic Games has never been to China and I believe this is, without doubt, the perfect time for the Games to be held there."
Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Betty Cuthbert praised the decision "from a sporting point of view". She said China was "a powerful Olympic nation and they've promised to do things [about drugs] and all you can do is take their word on it".
Former Olympian Nicole Stevenson, in Singapore at the Australian swimming camp, said talk among swimmers was that they favoured either Paris or Toronto.
"I think it's disappointing the human rights issues didn't come into play because there has been a lot going on in China that hasn't been addressed by the world," Stevenson said.
Former swimmer Shane Gould gave qualified support, saying: "It's a good thing as it will ultimately allow China to show itself to the world."
Marathon runner Steve Moneghetti said: "It's such a positive message that it may be one extra thing that helps that country move on."
Environment Minister Robert Hill said China had spent more than a third of the $24.24billion earmarked for environmental protection and Australia could provide valued expertise as Beijing sought to upgrade its sewerage system, cut vehicle emissions and minimise waste.
Telstra was one of the first Australian companies to welcome Beijing's victory.
Telstra managing director corporate relations and former Olympic director Brian Pilbeam said the telco giant was pleased to have helped the Beijing bid committee, and to have "contributed to Beijing's success".
The Sun-Herald
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