Queensland Government Apologies To Upset Tradies For Commonwealth Games Ad

Queensland Government Apologies To Upset Tradies For Commonwealth Games Ad
B&T Magazine
By B&T Magazine



Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has issued an apology to tradies who have been offended by a new ad campaign that urges people to consider alternative transport during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

The ‘Get Set For The Games’ cartoon campaign depicts a tradie riding along a traffic-congested road on a children’s pink bicycle, complete with a flowery basket on the handlebars filled with his tools.

However, one tradie in particular has lashed out at the government over the ad, saying that riding to work isn’t an option.

“There wouldn’t be a Commonwealth Games without the work we’ve done and to now tell us to get on our bikes is extremely rude… it’s just a spit in the face for tradies,” Mitchell Hemmings told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Palaszczuk responded to the criticism with an apology, and urged the Games’ organisers to do the same.

“I don’t want anyone to feel that, you know, that people are having a laugh at them,” she said.

“If people are feeling that way, I apologise, and I think Commonwealth Games people should apologise as well.

“But let me also make it very clear, that the Get Ready for the Games (campaign) is about essentially making sure people know their transport options.”

Mark Peters, CEO of the Games’ organising committee, said the ad would be reviewed.

“It was all done because sometimes you need humour in life,” he said.

“You don’t want to insult people, and as the premier said if that’s happened, certainly across the partnership, that’s an apology.”




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