Queensland Government cuts size of Brisbane Games Organising Committee 

Looking to streamline operations for the 2032 Games, the Queensland Government has announced a culling of members of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Organising Committee Board.

The changes follow recommendations from the 100 Day Review Report to streamline the committee to improve governance and efficiency.

With the Organising Committee reduced from 24 to 15 members and from six Vice Presidents to two, those axed from the Board include Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott and former Olympians Tracy Stockwell, Natalie Cook and Patrick Johnson.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli is the only new member of the Board, replacing Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding.

Andrew Liveris will continue to serve as Brisbane 2032 President, with Queensland Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander and Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells as Vice Presidents.

In addition to the Board, four initial advisory groups - First Nations, Athletes and Sport, Councils and Commercial - will also be established to provide advice.

They will be led by Patrick Johnson, Susie O’Neill, Liveris and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schinner, respectively.

Advising that the streamlined Board is a key step to strengthen governance and allowed Games-related decisions to be made efficiently, Minister Mander stated "we are getting on with the job of delivering a winning legacy and the Games Queenslanders deserve.

“The changes made to the Board are sensible and practical to shape good governance and make for a truly spectacular Games for which all of Queensland can be proud.

“The Board will focus on setting the strategy, offering greater clarity and direction so the Organising Committee can focus on delivering a spectacular Games in 2032."

Echoing Minister Mander’s comments, Liveris said the Advisory Groups had been set in place to support the Board and provide critical advice to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

He added "there has been a significant shift in momentum as we reach the seven years to go milestone before our Games and we are now moving to a phase of streamlined decision making and delivery."

Board Directors include:

Andrew Liveris AO - Independent (President)
Tim Mander MP - Queensland Government nominee (Vice President)
Anika Wells MP - Australian Government nominee (Vice President)
Greg Norman AO - Independent
Rebecca Frizelle OAM - Independent
Councillor Adrian Schrinner - Brisbane City Council nominee 
Councillor Tom Tate - Gold Coast City Council nominee
Councillor Rosanna Natoli - Sunshine Coast Council nominee
Jess Fox OAM - International Olympic Committee member, Australia
Robyn Smith OAM - International Paralympic Committee Board member, Australia
Ian Chesterman AM - Australian Olympic Committee President 
John Coates AC - Australian Olympic Committee Hon. Life President
Grant Mizens OAM - Paralympic Australia President
Kurt Fearnley AO - Paralympic athlete
Georgia Baker - Olympic athlete

Image: Andrew Liveris. Credit: Shutterstock.