❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding the cost-benefit analysis and decision-making process surrounding the State's bid for World Cup Rugby matches, revealing Perth will host seven matches in 2026.
AnsweredQoN 1643Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
The Report on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months to 30 June 2024 confirms a payment of $71,005 to Acil Allen from Treasury for a rapid cost benefit analysis of the State’s options to bid for World Cup Rugby matches. Acknowledging the commercial sensitivities around such an assessment, can the Treasurer please advise: (a) When was a decision made by Government to consider the possibility of bidding for World Cup Rugby matches; (b) When was the decision made to engage a consultant to consider the possibility of bidding for World Cup Rugby matches; (c) What process was used to select Acil Allen to undertake this work; (d) How long was the process to select Acil Allen; (e) On what date was Acil Allen engaged to undertake this consultancy; (f) What timeframe was given to Acil Allen to complete the work; (g) On what date did Acil Allen provide a report to Government; (h) What were the recommendations contained in the Acil Allen report; (i) Did the Acil Allen report identify benefits to the State of securing a World Cup rugby match: (i) If so, what were they; (j) Did the Acil Allen report identify challenges to securing a World Cup rugby match: (i) If so, what were they; (k) Did the Government accept Acil Allen’s recommendations: (i) If so, what action was taken by Government; and (ii) If not, why not; (l) Did the Government bid for World Cup Rugby matches: (i) If so, when; and (ii) What was the outcome; and (m) Prior to engaging Acil Allen had the Government previously undertaken any in house or external work on the possibility of securing a World Cup rugby match?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Treasurer
Response time
1 days
(a)-(m) The State Government first considered bidding for 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup matches in 2021.
A bid was made in April 2022, but no decision was made as they were managing changes for RWC2027.
In 2024, ACIL Allen was engaged via Treasury’s Commercial and Economic Advisory Services Panel for independent cost benefit analysis of bid options, with a report provided to Government. This identified benefits including increased out-of-State spectator and accredited visitor expenditure, increased non-visitor-related expenditure, and incremental growth in interstate and international tourism to WA, which helped inform the bid made in June 2024.
On 3 Feb 2026, it was announced that Perth is now set to host seven matches, being the opening match, four additional pool matches, and two Round of 16 matches.
Tourism WA undertook feasibility and forecast economic impact work in 2021 and early 2024.
A bid was made in April 2022, but no decision was made as they were managing changes for RWC2027.
In 2024, ACIL Allen was engaged via Treasury’s Commercial and Economic Advisory Services Panel for independent cost benefit analysis of bid options, with a report provided to Government. This identified benefits including increased out-of-State spectator and accredited visitor expenditure, increased non-visitor-related expenditure, and incremental growth in interstate and international tourism to WA, which helped inform the bid made in June 2024.
On 3 Feb 2026, it was announced that Perth is now set to host seven matches, being the opening match, four additional pool matches, and two Round of 16 matches.
Tourism WA undertook feasibility and forecast economic impact work in 2021 and early 2024.
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