Australia gets testy about CWG preparations

While officially continuing to back the Commonwealth Games, the Australian government is asking for answers from India and games officials over security, safety and hygiene concerns in New Delhi.

The games are on the brink of a full-blown crisis, 11 days out from the opening ceremony. After a dengue fever outbreak and the shooting of two men on a tourist bus, the collapse of a new footbridge injuring more than 20 people has dealt another blow to organisers.

Australian team officials have also raised "grave concerns" about hygiene and cleanliness in the athletes' village.

Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib said today, "We are concerned and we are seeking more information from the High Commission and asking them to have discussions with their Indian counterparts. The Commonwealth Games Federation has written to the Indian government regarding the village and also regarding preparations for the Games, so obviously we await further information from the federation."

Arbib told Australian radio that the government continued to receive intelligence reports of possible terrorist attacks in India during the games, with official warnings to travellers to be careful. "Of course there are security concerns, but also there has been an outbreak in recent times of dengue fever, there has been a larger than normal monsoon season, and of course there are a number of people concerned about their health," he said.

At the same time, Arbib said the games must go on. He said the government and Australian sporting officials were confident preparations would be ready in time, with the Games due to open on 3 October.