The details of a possibly taxpayer-funded deal to get music superstar Sir Elton John to perform in regional Queensland will be kept secret from the public.
In February, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Sir Elton would perform in Mackay and Cairns, but bypass Brisbane, in his Once in a Lifetime tour but details of any deal with the promoter were withheld due to "confidential commercial" arrangements.
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Elton John to skip Brisbane
Music superstar Elton John will play in Mackay and Cairns this year, but not in Brisbane. Nine News
A Fairfax Media Right to Information request with the Department of Premier and Cabinet for internal memos, emails, contracts and meeting notes relating to securing Sir Elton's concerts in Mackay and Cairns, specifically mentioning promoter Chugg Entertainment and Michael Chugg, uncovered five pages of documents.
But when they were released, details of what the agreement was worth were redacted.
On March 28, a Department's RTI officer advised they planned to release one page in full and provide partial access to four pages, but Tourism and Events Queensland objected to the release of the documents.
Under the usual process, TEQ was given 20 business days to exercise its right of review of the decision, but TEQ then changed its mind and no longer objected to the release of the documents, with redactions.
Two parties objected to releasing the details protected by a confidentiality clause in the contract.
The RTI reveals the parties involved in bringing Sir Elton's tour to Queensland signed a heads of agreement contract.
This included a confidentiality clause relating to any financial and in-kind investment provided in support of the event.
What was required to secure Sir Elton's two Queensland concerts was redacted from the documents.
A section titled, "What is the agreement worth?" has been blocked out.
However, a question, "Has Tourism and Events Queensland ever supported an Elton John performance or similar?" is answered simply: "No."
It is speculated the possible arrangement could include anything from cash, in-kind arrangements, advertising or policing.
Details of the contract were withheld because it related to "confidential commercial information" about Chugg Entertainment, according to the department's RTI officer.
"Chugg Entertainment operates in a highly commercial competitive environment and as such disclosure of this information would be detrimental to its business operations," the decision stated.
"It is not the purpose of the RTI Act to disadvantage or cause any detriment to private sector business operators when they co-operate with a Queensland government agency."
The decision also cited the competition faced by TEQ and the Mackay and Cairns councils from other government entities, private sector venues and event organisers.
"If another destination can determine the nature and amount of an event support package provided in Queensland it will develop a bid strategy to attract events away from Queensland by providing more investment and support," the decision said.
It argued the release of the information was not in the public interest because it could have a negative impact on TEQ or councils' endeavours to attract more events in Queensland.
The five pages that were released include a calendar email from Tourism Minister Kate Jones' media representative to Ms Palaszczuk's office confirming the announcement date in February and mentioning an event pack, speaking points and draft media release.
The calendar message states the details were due to be "strictly confidential" at the request of Chugg Entertainment.
A TEQ document states: "Through developing a strong relationship with the promoter – Chugg Entertainment, TEQ has been able to secure two shows in regional cities as part of the upcoming Elton John tour."
It said the Sir Elton tour was expected to sell out at both Queensland stadiums, with TEQ believing hosting events of "this calibre" will attract visitors to two of the state's key tourism destinations.
The tickets sold so quickly in March that desperate fans tried calling the premier's office for help.
TEQ expects the tour to attract up to 5000 interstate and international visitors.
The documents list the event partners as the Queensland government through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with the Mackay Regional Council and the Cairns Regional Council.
Earlier this year, the government estimated the two concerts would inject up to $7.5 million into the Queensland economy.
Sir Elton alone charges $1.3-$1.9 million per performance, according to a list published by CelebrityTalent.net and republished by Business Insider Australia in 2014.
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