Qld Academy of Sport closer to independence as Bill introduced

A Bill to make the Queensland Academy of Sport an independent body has been referred to a committee for consultation after being introduced in State Parliament.

Tim Mander at the Queensland Academy of Sport

A Bill to make the Queensland Academy of Sport an independent body has been referred to a committee for consultation after being introduced in State Parliament.

Olympics and Paralympic Games Minister Tim Mander on Tuesday introduced the Bill, which if passed would transform the academy into a statutory body by July.

Mr Mander has pushed the Bill as a solution to removing red tape, following complaints by athletes and staff of being hamstrung by departmental procedure.

He said the proposed model would give high-performance athletes a competitive advantage in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The sporting body would be required to release annual reports of its performance.

Mr Mander said the transition would not impact entitlements for the 107 staff employed at the academy which included sports scientists, data analysts, nutritionists, travel officers, and accountants.

The Bill will include a clause ensuring academy staff that sought to return to the department could do so before October.

“This is not just an administrative change, it is a strategic investment in our sporting future and a commitment to excellent,” Mr Mander said.

“The athlete’s journey is at the heart of everything the academy does, and will continue to be the key focus as it transitions to prepare and support athletes to achieve world class success.”

He listed significant athletes to have trained at the academy, including Kieren Perkins, Emma McKeon, Nat Cook, and Steven Bradbury.