Julia Gillard To Miss The Olympics

Reports show that Prime Minister Julia Gillard will not attend the London Olympics in July. The news is not sitting well with Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates, saying the move has disappointed the athletes.

A spokesperson for Gillard said that prime ministers do not usually attend the Olympics and this should not be an issue at all. Former Prime Minister John Howard also did not attend the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Gillard is said to be sending Sports Minister Kate Lundy to attend on her behalf.

The no-show, however, is not the sole reason of Coates’ disappointment with the Prime Minister. Coates said Gillard is also not attending the fundraising dinner in June 23, which will be held in Melbourne.

The exclusive affair is a fundraising event for the athletes, an affair that dates back to 1984.  Close to 1,500 guests, with each table costing $22,000. This year, the event expects to gather close to $2 million.

Tradition has dictated that the Prime Minister appear in the event and deliver the keynote address.

The spokesperson of Gillard said a conflict of schedule makes it impossible for the Prime Minister to attend the fundraising event. Gillard is scheduled to attend the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference and the G20 leaders meeting, which happens the same evening of the fundraising.

Coates said Gillard’s absence is unprecedented and a missed opportunity.

The fundraising event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Expected to attend are the biggest names in Australia to lend support to the Australian delegation.

Tagged Julia Gillard, London Olympics