Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office formed to avoid layers of bureaucracy

The Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office has been formed to avoid adding layers of bureaucracy and to oversee many aspects of the games including infrastructure, First Nations, environment, legacy, and security.

An independent report prepared by Deloitte recommended establishment of the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office.

IOC Vice-President John Coates has welcomed the formation of the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office and noted “this model makes eminent sense to me. The IOC has been discussing the governance model with Brisbane 2032. The IOC continues to explore savings and efficiencies to our Games delivery model.

“This is for the benefit of all future Games organisers, including Brisbane 2032. The last thing we should be doing is adding layers of bureaucracy. Pleasingly this model does not.”

Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Annastacia Palaszczuk advised “this body represents nine months of discussion with all of our Games partners on the best and most efficient way of delivering the best Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.

“It cuts red tape while, at the same time, provides input from all of our Games partners.”

The Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office will be headed by the Director-General of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Graham Fraine.  Fraine has held a number of senior roles in the government including former Deputy Under-Treasurer.

The Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office will coordinate delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in agreement with Games partners including:

• The Commonwealth Government

• Queensland Government

• Brisbane City Council

• Gold Coast Council

• Sunshine Coast Council

• SEQ Council of Mayors

• International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG)

• Australian Olympic Committee and

• Paralympics Australia

Deloitte studied arrangements for the London and Sydney games and recommended a fit-for-purpose approach for Brisbane.

Key differences for Brisbane include:

• 84% of venues already exist

• No major infrastructure being built solely for the Games and

• Assets remaining in public ownership

Unlike a delivery authority model, the Coordination Office is accountable to the Parliament.

The Deloitte recommendation recognises the State Government’s existing expertise in delivering infrastructure and recommends the Coordination Office for its ability to cut red tape and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic double-up and costs.

The Deloitte report notes “The model leverages existing capability and legislative powers within agencies.

“There is a high level of goodwill and willingness to cooperate among Games Delivery Partners which good governance will facilitate…”

Underpinning that crucial coordinating body, is the Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Office, which will design and deliver the key venues, villages, and transport infrastructure.

A Leader’s Forum which includes Federal, State and Council representatives will work in tandem with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG).

The structure will be reviewed after two years to ensure it continues to be the best model in the lead up to 2032.

President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Andrew Liveris adds “we will continue to work with all Games Delivery Partners to ensure venues and infrastructure are delivered in line with our commitments to the IOC and to the long-term best interests of the local communities.”

Deloitte shared “we have been privileged to work with the nine Games partners including State and Federal Governments, local governments and Olympic and Paralympic bodies to design a governance model which will ensure the Games are delivered on time with all partners having appropriate input at every step of the way.

“We believe the Brisbane Coordination Office, which is to be overseen by all Brisbane 2032 partners, will provide an effective and cooperative coordination mechanism to get this critical work done.”

Image: The latest artist concept for the proposed Brisbane Live site