Council delegates outnumber state government representatives in Paris

The Queensland government sent just five officials to the Paris Games – and chose not to deploy any ministers – missing out on a crucial opportunity to learn lessons eight years out from Brisbane 2032.

The Queensland government sent just five officials to the Paris Games – and chose not to deploy any ministers – missing out on a crucial opportunity to learn lessons eight years out from Brisbane 2032.

Delegates from the Queensland Police Service, Department of State Development and Infrastructure and the Department of Transport and Main Roads attended, according to the state government.

By comparison, 15 local government members, including mayors and deputy mayors, rallied to ensure they did not miss out on the key learning experiences on issues such as traffic management, infrastructure and security.

The government had a contractual obligation to attend Paris as a future Olympic host and despite the dismal numbers, it insists it sent “the right mix” of delegates.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate attended the Olympics in Paris with a number of council delegates. Picture: Liam Kidston

Meanwhile, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate led a three-person council delegation, attended 21 business meetings, 30 observer sessions, 18 official ceremonies including Australian Embassy functions, 18 sporting events, 23 escorted venue and site visits and one panel session.

“The mayor met with a very wide range of political and sporting dignitaries including multiple heads of world and Australian sporting bodies and multiple mayors and other politicians including the mayors of Paris and (2028 Olympics host) Los Angeles as well as key organisers of Paris 2024 and LA 2028,” a spokesman said.

“The learnings from the event (including) traffic and security management were significant and the Mayor has commenced negotiations for future major events, including world championships and Olympic training camps on the Gold Coast.”

Another 11 delegates were sent to the Paris Olympics or will attend the Paralympics on behalf of the Sunshine Coast, City of Moreton and Brisbane City councils, including one mayor, a deputy mayor and a councillor – each attending different parts of the program to maximise observations on city planning, operations and legacy aspects of the events.

A spokesman for State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said the Games delivery was in partnership with local councils.

She said the small team travelling with other local government delegates would “strengthen collaboration” in the lead-up to 2032.

“The state government had the right mix of representatives on the ground in Paris to observe and gather information to assist our own Games preparation,” he said.

Mr Tate said advocacy was a “contact sport” and his city would significantly benefit from his trip.

“The opportunity to learn the lessons from Paris were invaluable, along with the chance to talk to so many vital sporting and political contacts in the one place at the one time,” Mr Tate said.

“I am extremely confident that beyond the learnings from Paris 2024, my visit will yield a significant return on investment for the Gold Coast from future sporting events and training camps.”