Who holds the power? 2032 Olympics committee details released

Following weeks of negotiations between the State and Commonwealth governments, a final proposal has revealed just how the 2032 organising committee would work, with gender quotas to the fore.

Half of the directors appointed to Brisbane’s Olympics organising committee will be women according to a landmark plan released 11 years out from the Games.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday introduced the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics Arrangements Bill to parliament – the first leap towards delivering the 2032 Games.

Following weeks of negotiations between the state and Commonwealth, a final incarnation of the landmark proposal detailing who holds the power within the committee has been revealed.

Under the proposed law the Prime Minister and Premier will appoint five independent directors – of which one must be Indigenous.

The president of the committee will be appointed from these five jointly-chosen directors.

Ms Palaszczuk and Scott Morrison will also make four personal selections each.

The Bill will also ensure at least half of the 14 nominated directors are women.

Ms Palaszczuk, as Olympics Minister, will also be gifted the power to give the committee a written direction about its performance or the exercise of its powers, once she notifies the Commonwealth Government about her intention to provide it.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after she successfully bid to hold the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

The committee will appoint a chief executive officer for a four-year term, however there is no limit on how many times they may be reappointed.

Five vice presidents will be appointed, including one of the people nominated by the Premier, one of those nominated by the Prime Minister, the President of Paralympics Australia, Lord Mayor and John Coates.

A significant cash injection by the International Olympic Committee and other revenue streams including ticketing, sponsorship and merchandise sales will keep the committee cost neutral.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics Arrangement Bill would be declared “urgent”, with the Economics and Governance Committee set to report back to the parliament before November 26.

The contract between Brisbane and the International Olympic Committee stipulates an organising committee must be established before December 21.

THE COMMITTEE

– President or Honorary Life President of the Australian Olympic Committee

– President of Paralympics Australia

– CEO of the AOC

– Any IOC members from Australia

– Any International Paralympic Committee Governing Board members

– One Olympic athlete (already identified as Bronte Barratt)

– One Paralympian

– Five independent directors agreed to by the Premier and Prime Minister

– Up to four nominated by the Prime Minister

– Four directors named by the Premier

– One director named by the Lord Mayor

– The Lord Mayor