ABC report scrutinises ASM Global's management of Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium

The ABC has today published a report looking at a study by consultants KPMG into the contracting out of the management of some of the major venues owned by the Queensland Government to facilities operator ASM Global.

The previously unreleased 2022 report, obtained by the ABC under right to information laws, examined whether the Queensland Government’s venue management agency Stadiums Queensland might manage venues such as Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium as successfully as a private company.

The KPMG report is understood to have found repeated examples of where Stadiums Queensland might manage operations as successfully as ASM Global citing instances where major events might gravitate to Suncorp Stadium regardless of the venue manager.

It noted Stadiums Queensland had a "demonstrated ability in working with anchor tenants" and that “there is little risk of Suncorp Stadium losing anchor tenant content.”

KPMG added that with managing membership programs - another revenue stream - both ASM Global and the state's Stadiums Queensland had "strong experience and skills”.

For concerts, KPMG noted that Lang Park was "considered to be the premium venue" for anyone coming to Queensland and factors other than venue operator influenced concert numbers.

It also highlighted potential savings in moving in-house, noting duplication in areas including staff intranets and training but suggested that with in-house management public sector executives might not match private operators' response speed.

Stadiums Queensland is responsible for nine venues: Cbus Super Stadium and People First (Carrara) Stadium on the Gold Coast, the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville and Brisbane's the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre, the Sleeman Sports Complex, the Queensland Tennis Centre and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Of these, Suncorp Stadium and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre are operated by ASM Global Asia Pacific, part of USA-based entertainment corporation ASM Global.

ASM Global also operate the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Cairns Convention Centre on behalf of the Queensland Government.

After the KPMG report was delivered in 2022, ASM Global again successfully tendered for the management contract for Suncorp Stadium, which it has run for more than 20 years.

As reported by the ABC, Stadiums Queensland defended its decision saying venue arrangements were routinely assessed, and "business critical, financial, and non-financial factors" were considered before proceeding with the tender, which had a probity advisor.

Tickets for politicians
The ABC report also questioned ASM Global making event tickets available to politicians, referencing parliamentarians from all parties having received and declared tickets from ASM Global and its predecessor entities, to concerts from P!nk to U2 and Celine Dion.

It also referenced form Queensland Premier Steven Miles having asked about personally meeting UK singer Ed Sheeran at a Suncorp Stadium concert but went on to note that ASM Global APAC Chairman and Managing Director, Harvey Lister as having previously said venue operators can be contractually obliged to provide seats for venue owners.

Stadiums Queensland maintained relationships between politicians and ASM Global did not influence its board's tender decision and there was "no ministerial instruction in the board's consideration of this matter".

It added that its relevant minister was "kept abreast of organisational business as it relates to the wider industry or portfolio.”

Proud of Suncorp Stadium operations
Lister told the ABC that his organisation was part of "the world's leading venue management and services company" and "extremely proud" to have successfully operated Suncorp Stadium.

When asked whether the company's political relations may have been a factor in it being chosen to operate Suncorp Stadium he replied "absolutely not".

Images: Suncorp Stadium (top), ASM Global APAC Chairman and Managing Director, Harvey Lister (middle) and ASM Global is behind plans for the Brisbane Live/Arena development (below).