Editorial: Scope of Games review not so open

Surely if you have an open scope, you do not rule out any options. But that’s what Jarrod Bleijie and David Crisafulli are doing, writes the editor.

The first meeting of the new LNP cabinet on Monday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Premier David Crisafulli is bang on when he says the most important part of any decision regarding spending on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics is the legacy that the project will deliver.

But beyond that, the language coming from him and his deputy, Jarrod Bleijie, on this most critical of topics for their new government is becoming as hard to follow as a Donald Trump “weave”.

For instance, Infrastructure Minister Mr Bleijie said yesterday that while he was still working on the terms of reference for the upcoming independent review of Games infrastructure, it would have an open scope – and not consider any new stadiums.

“The review panel will have the capacity to offer what’s in the best interest of Queensland,” Mr Bleijie said, before he went on to explain: “It’s really an open scope for the independent infrastructure co-ordination authority to look at the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games, in terms of legacy.”

Which is good. But, surely, if you have an open scope, you do not rule out any options. But that’s what he and the Premier are doing when it comes to any new stadiums – and the Victoria Park proposal in particular, despite it now being looked at favourably by both current tenants of the Gabba, which it would replace.

Mr Crisafulli “explained” his position on Nova radio yesterday: “There’ll be world-class venues, but what I said before the election still matters – the focus has to be on spending that $7bn on generational infrastructure, because that’s what it was sold as.

“And when we signed up to it, and when the Council of Mayors here were (first) talking about it, they weren’t spending about $7bn on stadiums.

“They were talking about how can we get people to and from the Gold and the Sunny Coast, how can we make sure that we create a 20-year tourism vision.

“But I can assure you, you’ll have world-class venues and you’ll have things that people can be proud of, but, no, we’re not changing our commitment on that (no new stadiums).

“The focus will be on generational infrastructure, but we’ll also create venues you can be proud of.

“I’m very confident that you can have venues you’ll look at and say, ‘That’s really good, that’s really special.’ “

Well, that’s crystal clear, then.

As we pointed out last week, one thing Mr Crisafulli has been consistent in is that he will leave the decision about venues that will be used for the 2032 Games to experts – not a politician.

And this is exactly what he should be doing.

The terms of reference for the infrastructure review – to be unveiled later this month – must remain broad and unencumbered, to ensure the experts chosen by the government can focus on the best outcome for Queensland, rather than delivering a plan constrained by politics.

Brisbane’s LNP Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, is due some credit for his moves in courageously agitating for the new government to ensure those terms of reference will include the expert consideration of that new stadium at Victoria Park, as well as other ideas put forward by stakeholders, such as a stadium on the river at Hamilton Northshore.

We also welcome the revelation that the review committee will call for public submissions.

A final point: We reveal today that Mr Bleijie has been trying to have money reallocated from the $2.5bn inner-city Brisbane Arena – a new entertainment centre – that is being paid for by the federal government put back into the central pot for Games infrastructure.

We urge caution. Of all the infrastructure that would be capable of delivering generational legacy, a new 17,000-seat indoor arena in the heart of the city would be just about at the top of the list.

UNIQUE SPIRIT OF OUR CUP DAY

Melbourne Cup Day is always a special occasion – at racetracks, restaurants, bars and even in offices across the country, as workers join in the spirit of the day, dress up and have some fun with sweepstakes and some refreshments in the kitchen.

The idea of a nation stopping to watch a horse race sounds pretty bizarre when you actually think about it, and yet this endures as one of the annual events that very much unites us as a nation.

It has been a tough year for so many Australians, with the cost of living and housing crises meaning this is not feeling like the Lucky Country it once was, at least for the moment.

But the great thing about the Cup is that it gives everyone an excuse to forget their troubles – at least for an hour or so, as they join together with friends, families and co-workers for a bit of fun.

Today is also about trying to pick a winner. There will be those who base their tip on studying the form and gates and conditions and jockeys and trainers. Then there will be those who make their selections based on racing colours, or the name of the horse.

Whatever your system, have fun – and gamble responsibly.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here