‘They’ve listened’: State shift brings Schrinner back to Games group fold

The news

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has walked back his barely five-month-old decision to abandon the 2032 Games intergovernmental leaders’ forum after recent shifts in direction by the state government.

“While there will always be differences of opinion, it’s important we work together to deliver an incredible Games and a legacy that benefits Brisbane, the region and our state,” Schrinner said in a statement.

“They have listened,” Schrinner (left) said of Miles (right) and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick at a media conference with the latter on Friday morning.Credit: Matt Dennien

“I want to thank Premier Steven Miles for his decision to establish an Independent Delivery Authority and working collaboratively with our council to ensure this new model suits all stakeholders.”

Schrinner’s return came as the state rejected reports that upgrades to the ageing Gabba, no longer slated for a rebuild, would see the stadium lose 4000 seats and cost $1 billion.

Why it matters

The lord mayor resigned from the advisory body in early December after what he described as two years of debate over large stadiums rather than improved transport links and the dumped promise of an independent Games infrastructure authority.

In his decision, following former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s floating of a funding split to upgrade the RNA Showgrounds as a Gabba-rebuild alternative for major AFL and cricket matches, Schrinner described the body as a “dysfunctional farce”.

His return to the fold, and positive comments about state government collaboration since Miles’ leadership began – despite disagreement on the Quirk report’s new Victoria Park stadium proposal – mark a major de-escalation in Games tension.

It also sets up a second potential split with the state LNP opposition, which continues to threaten replacement of the proposed infrastructure authority with one of its own – and a 100–day review of Games venue plans – if it won the October election.

What they said

“They have listened,” Schrinner said of Miles and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick at a media conference with the latter on Friday morning.

“And this gives me confidence that, going forward, the [Independent Infrastructure] Delivery Authority will deliver the best possible outcome.

“And obviously, with the Gabba, I am relieved to hear that we will not be losing seats.”

In a statement of her own before a media conference on the Sunshine Coast with federal government and council representatives, Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace was clear about reports suggesting this would be the case at a cost similar to what the Palaszczuk-era rebuilt was first pitched at.

“The Miles government has categorically ruled out any reduction of seating capacity at the Gabba or spending $1.1 billion on the upgrade,” she said.

What you need to know

Grace and the government have, however, announced that an expression of interest process will open within days for tenders on the first Games venue projects.

Where to from here

A government-led parliamentary committee considering proposed laws that would set up the new infrastructure authority is due to publish its report today.

The committee is likely to recommend the laws be passed, but LNP members can publish a dissenting report or statement of reservation about the Labor-driven report.