Brisbane 2032: Commonwealth shock triggers calls to scrap Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games chief has shot down suggestions the event could be at risk in the wake of the sensational axing of the 2026 Commonwealth Games over cost blowout fears. HAVE YOUR SAY

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games chief executive Cindy Hook has shot down suggestions the Queensland event could be at risk in light of the 2026 Commonwealth Games being dumped by the Victorian Government over cost blowout fears.

The Queensland Greens on Tuesday jumped on the news Victoria had dumped the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to “seriously think” about Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but Queenslanders were assured the event was still on track.

But Ms Hook – a former chief executive with Deloitte Asia Pacific who was appointed to the top job last December – speaking at a media conference to unveil the Olympic Rings and Paralympics Agitos ahead of Brisbane’s 9 Years to Go celebrations set to be held this weekend, played down the calls.

“I cannot comment on their Games – I’m not involved with them,” she said.

“What I can comment on is our Games and our regional model, which I believe is very well conceived.

“And that I’m absolutely focused on the budget – the Organizing Committee will be self-funded.

“We have a long runway and more time than they did to plan, and I think that time, if used well, will be very much to our advantage.”

Asked whether the news meant the Brisbane 2032 Games were on “shaky ground”, Ms Hook responded “no”.

“I’m confident that we are going to work hard to maximise our commercial success and then live within our means to deliver a balanced budget,” she said.

“Obviously it’s a long road, but I think we’re very much approaching this as a business where you’ve got only so much you can spend and how do you live within that?

“And the Organising Committee is committed to being cost neutral to the taxpayer.”

The comments come after South Brisbane MP Amy MacMahon – who has been a staunch opponent of the Games – said Victorian Premier Dan Andrews’ comments about the huge cost of the Commonwealth Games was an acknowledgment they could pose a burden on the taxpayer.

“The Palaszczuk Labor government needs to now seriously consider whether they are going to go ahead with the 2032 Games,” she said.

Greens member for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon. Picture: Liam Kidston

“What we’re seeing is an acknowledgment from Victorian Labor that these mega-events cost taxpayers far, far more than the government budgets for, without the promised benefits.

“This is an acknowledgment that events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games come at a huge cost to housing, public services, schools and hospitals – a cost that burdens cities and states for decades after.”

Dr MacMahon noted the cost of the Gabba had already blown out from $1bn to $2.7bn “and they haven’t even put any shovels in the ground”.

“Is the Queensland Premier really going to look everyday people in the eye and say she will be taking money away from schools and hospitals to fund the 2032 Games?” she said.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he had no doubts “whatsoever” about the Sunshine State capital’s ability to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, however.

“The challenge with the Commonwealth Games is that it can cost almost as much as hosting the Olympics, but the Olympics are five times bigger and deliver more benefits,” he said.

“I can understand it’s a challenging decision to make for Melbourne, but ultimately when you look at the cost of Brisbane 2032 … and then you compare it with the benefits, $18bn in benefits were determined a number of years ago.”

Australian Olympic Committee boss Matt Carroll says the Brisbane 2032 Games remain a “shining beacon” despite the shock decision of the Victorian government to scrap the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Carroll said while the news would be an enormous disappointment for the athletes and sports who had begun preparing for the home Games - describing it as a “low blow” - the Olympic funding model was different, and the Brisbane Games were not at risk.

“The AOC will not comment on the Victorian Games model, cost of the Commonwealth Games themselves and what was proposed in infrastructure spending – they are matters for the Victorian Government and CGA,” he said.

“The Olympic Games financial model is significantly different to the Commonwealth Games, given the substantial investment by the IOC towards Games’ costs.

“Equally, the IOC’s New Norm approach seeks to reduce spending through the use of existing infrastructure wherever possible.

“Brisbane 2032 remains a shining beacon on the sporting horizon, providing inspiration for athletes, sports and the broader community.”