New legislation establishes Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee

The Queensland Government has passed legislation to establish an organising committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Passed in the state Parliament yesterday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advised that the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 was the next step in the State’s marathon run to 2032.

Premier Palaszczuk commented "in the (Queensland Parliament's) final sitting week of the year, we have passed this important legislation to kickstart planning for Brisbane 2032 and lay the foundations for the $8.1 billion uplift the Games will deliver.

“Over the next decade, the OCOG will continue to collaborate with Games partners, including the International Olympic and Paralympic committees, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia, and three tiers of Government.

“The Organising Committee will be responsible for some of the most memorable moments of the Games - from triumphant torch relays, to an inspiring opening ceremony and a showstopping closing ceremony at no cost to the taxpayer.

“The International Olympic Committee and private commercial revenue, including domestic sponsorship, ticket sales and merchandise will ensure all activities associated with the organising committee are delivered on a cost-neutral basis.

“It will engage thousands of enthusiastic Queenslanders to be Games volunteers, and undertake an enormous logistical feat, arranging accommodation and transport for tens of thousands of competitors, officials and media.

“I know the Organising Committee will deliver an unforgettable and unifying Games for Queensland, Australia and the world.”

The Organising Committee will operate as an independent statutory body, with a Board of Directors overseeing its effective and efficient operation.

The Board will include representation from all levels of government, the International and Australian Olympic and Paralympic committees, recent Olympians and Paralympians and a number of independent experts and community representatives.

Premier Palaszczuk added “I’m proud of the extensive consultation that took place in the preparation of this Bill, ensuring that the Board reflects the diversity of our community – including a requirement that there is appropriate First Nations representation and that 50% of nominated directors are female.

“The size of the board will be similar to what was established for the Sydney Games, and less than half the size of the board established for Tokyo 2020.

“The Bill also requires that the Organising Committee undertake procurement in accordance with the Queensland Procurement Policy, engaging local businesses and supporting local jobs.

“Embracing our diversity and taking a ‘buy local’ approach, we’ll ensure that all Queenslanders reap the rewards and benefit from the legacy of Brisbane 2032.”

Appointments to the Board will be made over the coming months, including the President and other independent directors following an international search.

The Bill provides that the Board will be made up of the following:

• Five independent directors nominated by the Minister, with the consent of the Prime Minister (with one being the President)

• Up to four persons nominated by the Prime Minister

• Four persons nominated by the Premier

• One person nominated by the Lord Mayor

• The Lord Mayor of Brisbane

• The President or Honorary Life President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC)

• The President of Paralympics Australia

• Any active members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) residing in Australia

• Any members of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board residing in Australia

• The chief executive officer of the AOC

• A recent Olympic athlete as confirmed by the AOC Athletes’ Commission

• A recent Paralympic Athlete as confirmed by the Paralympics Australia Athletes’ Commission.

The Queensland Government's Brisbane 2032 website is at www.qld.gov.au/about/Brisbane2032

Image courtesy of Brisbane City Council.