Premier rules out ‘double-dipping’ Olympic funding requests

Premier David Crisafulli has assured the federal government that Queensland will not seek additional funding for the 2032 Olympics, stressing commitment to staying within the agreed budget.

Premier David Crisafulli and Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek read Bluey to primary students at Carbrook State School at the launch of the Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025. Picture: Judith Kerr

The state government will not be asking the Albanese government to fork out more cash for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympics Games, Premier David Crisafulli has vowed.

It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s landslide win over the weekend, and brings into question how federal government funds will be reallocated to pay for Queensland’s revamped venues plan.

This includes a new centrepiece Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park, an adjacent Aquatics Centre, and the axing of a government-funded Brisbane Arena.

The 2032 Games infrastructure budget is a combined $7.1bn — $3.4bn of which will come from the federal government.

Mr Albanese has repeatedly asserted the federal government’s contribution is capped.

Concept designs for the new stadium at Victoria Park. Picture Archipelago Architects

Mr Crisafulli, speaking at the launch of the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge, said the state would not be “double dipping”.

“We’ve said that very, very clearly,” he said.

“We’ve been heartened by the negotiations, very much so.

“We have every confidence that we can show the federal government that the days of runaway costs on projects are a thing of the past.”

He said the state government had been working closely with federal leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister Anika Wells.

The federal government’s funding envelope includes $2.5bn for the Brisbane Arena, which will not be going ahead based on the revamped plan.

Where those funds will be shifted to is yet to be locked in.