Games funding standoff as leaders still to negotiate Olympics bill

The federal government has still not reached a Brisbane 2032 funding agreement with the state, with talks to be held at national cabinet.

Negotiations over the 2032 Olympic Games costs and projects are set to continue on Friday when national cabinet meets, amid confirmation the federal government has still not reached a funding agreement with the state.

The Palaszczuk Government and Commonwealth have been at loggerheads over the funding split for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Gabba redevelopment having been a key sticking point.

Since its election the Albanese Government has backed away from the 50-50 funding deal and joint oversight agency agreed to by the Morrison Government in April 2021.

Funding for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the proposed Gabba redevelopment, are ongoing. Above is the artist impression of the proposed Gabba redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

The federal Infrastructure Department confirmed the “funding and breakdown” for the Commonwealth’s contribution has yet to be finalised, in a response to a question on notice.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk are expected to continue negotiations when they meet on Friday for the first national cabinet meeting of the year.

In January, Mr Albanese would only commit to a “positive contribution from the Commonwealth” to the Games and that he wanted to make sure “every dollar invested has a lasting contribution”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His government has backed away from the 50-50 funding deal and joint oversight agency agreed to by the Morrison Government in April 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

A spokeswoman for Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said yesterday that, “there will be a positive contribution from the Commonwealth aimed at making sure there is a lasting benefit for people”.

“The Queensland and Commonwealth governments are continuing to have cooperative discussions about investment in Olympic Games venue infrastructure,” she said.

Opposition sports spokeswoman Anne Ruston said it was an example of the lack of transparency and urged the Albanese Government to dispel any concerns it would hand a “blank cheque” to its state counterpart.

“Despite the previous Coalition Government establishing a 50-50 funding deal with the Queensland Government, contingent on a joint oversight body being established, the Albanese Labor Government have walked back from this commitment and have refused to say how much of the overall tab the Federal Government will now pick up,” she said.

“Establishing a joint authority is critical to ensure the Federal Government does not capitulate to Premier Palaszczuk on federal funding ahead of the Games and to protect our international sporting reputation.

“Of real concern is the suggestion that Australian taxpayers will have to stump up for the $2.5 billion for the Gabba redevelopment project, despite it not being in the International Olympic Committee’s host agreement with Queensland for the Games.”

The infrastructure department statement said details surrounding 2032 Games venue structure, including governance, were subject to ongoing negotiations.

Ms King met with Deputy Premier Steven Miles earlier this month, when she said they were having “positive discussions”.