Departures at Queensland events and tourism agencies

Following the recent resignation of Events Queensland Chief Executive John O'Sullivan it has been announced that Tourism Queensland Chairman Don Morris is to step down.

O'Sullivan (pictured) resigned to take up the role as Chief Operating Officer at Sydney-based Fox Sports while Morris will step down from his role once his term expires in October.

While the departures are apparently unrelated, the recently elected Queensland Government also recently dumped Mark Stockwell as Chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

The three agencies are the responsibility of Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey. In oppostion, the Queensland Liberal National party was highly critical of the former Labor Government's tourism performance.

Speaking in relation to O'Sullivan's departure, Minister Stuckey "I would like to personally thank John for his commitment to the role he has served in since February 2010 and wish him all the best with his new endeavours.

"The Queensland calendar has almost doubled from 21 to 39 major events under his leadership ... worth a projected $277 million to the State economy this financial year, helping to cement our reputation as a leading destination.

"We have seen new events such as the HSBC Rugby Sevens World Series and Ironman Cairns come to Queensland.

"They continue the State's successful cultural and lifestyle events strategy including events like Delectable Brisbane, blockbuster exhibitions, the QPAC International Series, Santos GLNG City of Lights and more.

"The State's reputation as a major business events destination has also been enhanced with events including the upcoming 2012 International Geological Congress and the 2016 Water Congress adding to an industry worth a further $697 million to the Queensland economy each year."

O'Sullivan will remain in his Events Queensland role until late August while a national recruitment process finds a replacement.

Speaking yesterday, Minister Stuckey thanked Don Morris for his five-year commitment and leadership to Tourism Queensland and the state's tourism industry, particularly during some of the most challenging times in the industry's history, stating "Mr Morris's enthusiasm and advocacy played a positive role in assisting Queensland's tourism businesses."

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