Queensland Parliament passes legislation for independent 2032 Olympic Games Authority

The Queensland Parliament has passed legislation to establish an independent delivery authority for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

Set to begin operations in July - operating at ‘arms-length’ from government, the new Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority will be tasked with delivering new and upgraded venues that will be used during the 2032 Games and with its subsequent legacy program.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Amendment Bill 2024, establishing the new authority, delivers on a promise delivered by Queensland Premier Steven Miles when he assumed the role at the end of last year.

A statement from the Queensland Government advised yesterday that “establishing the Authority as a statutory body under legislation will enable it to operate at arms-length from government. It will have control over its own funds, have operational independence, and operate within a flexible structure, while being subject to public sector accountability and scrutiny.

“An interim CEO is due to be appointed shortly and advertisement for up to seven independent directors to the Board that will oversee the authority will soon commence, with appointments expected in September.

“Initial tasks of the Authority will include the continued roll out of procurement for new and upgraded venues, delivery of a Games Coordination Plan, to be in place within 12 months of the authority’s establishment, and a Transport and Mobility Strategy within 18 months.”

Commenting on the changes, Premier Miles stated “Queensland now has the best possible framework in place for our continued delivery of government activities to support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The Authority will now deliver the venues that will be used in 2032 and beyond, while being overseen by a truly independent board, whose members will be selected by the CEOs of the nine Games Delivery partners.

“The Authority will build on the extensive work this government has done since being awarded the Games, and now we’re handing the baton on so we can keep making great strides in our achievements for Queensland.”

Coinciding with the passing of the legislation, Queensland Government has also accepted a recommendation to appoint Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee Board.

Welcoming the changes, Andrew Liveris, President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, added “the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee looks forward to working with the independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, who will oversee the development of legacy venues and infrastructure that will be used for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As a statutory body, the Authority will have the operational structure that best supports delivery of long-term sporting and community legacies across Brisbane and Queensland.

“The Authority will also have a close connection and working relationship with the Organising Committee, ensuring timelines, budgets and resources fulfil the Host Contract obligations.”

“The Games will be the biggest event in Queensland’s history, and I have every confidence the new Authority will be focused on achieving positive social and economic benefits across the state for generations to come.”

The nine Games Delivery partners are:

• The Queensland Government;

• The Commonwealth Government;

• The Brisbane City Council;

• The Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee;

• The Sunshine Coast Council;

• The City of Gold Coast;

• The Australian Olympic Committee;

• Paralympics Australia;

• Council of Mayors (SEQ) Pty Ltd.

Main image: Concept for a Brisbane Olympic stadium in the city's Victoria Park.