Built by Multiplex at a cost of 225 million it was officially opened in August 2004 by Premier Geoff Gallop . Its construction was extremely controversial , owing to an overblown budget and an unprepossessing external appearance . It has been described as a " Soviet-era mausoleum " and a " giant grey cockroach " , as well as a white elephant whose financial viability has been questionable . However , it made it possible for Perth to host the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ( CHOGM ) , with heads of state and official delegates of more than 50 member countries
2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2011
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre