‘Difficult to answer that’: Brisbane Olympics question that stumped department supremo

The 50-50 funding split on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is still up in the air, while questions are being raised on whether the Gabba will be carved out of any deal, as a high-level federal official made a significant statement.

The 50-50 funding split on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is still up in the air, while questions are being raised on whether the Gabba will be carved out of any deal, as a high-level federal official declared they will not be “writing a blank cheque”.

Federal Infrastructure department officials insisted there was no delay in negotiations with the State Government, despite it being three months since Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said an announcement on the Gabba redevelopment plans was weeks away.

Infrastructure Department secretary Jim Betts confirmed the negotiations were around “the overall funding package, with a particular focus on venues”, as he copped a grilling at a Senate estimates hearing on Monday morning.

Artist impression of the proposed Gabba redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

Mr Betts confirmed the Commonwealth had been provided a cost estimate for the redevelopment of the Gabba.

But he hesitated when asked if the Federal Government would leave the Gabba out of any funding deal to avoid being associated with controversy around the speculated resumptions of Raymond Park and East Brisbane State School.

“It’s difficult for me to answer that question,” Mr Betts said.

“The Commonwealth’s focus at the moment is how it can most appropriately share in the funding of those investments rather than the details around the design.

“Work being undertaken on the Gabba is work done by the Queensland Government. We are at a different stage.”

Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne asked if the federal government was seeking to fund the Olympics, but not the Gabba redevelopment, to avoid controversy.

“What I’m hearing right now is the government is not prepared to protect the school or the parkland,” she said.

“Somehow I don’t think the people of East Brisbane will be comforted by these responses.”

Opposition Infrastructure spokeswoman Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Commonwealth officials would not be negotiating the sum and split of money it would contribute without knowing what they were paying for.

Infrastructure Department secretary Jim Betts. Source: Supplied

“The previous government committed to a 50-50 funding envelope. The Queensland Government put forward a proposal to the (International Olympics Committee), including the projects that would be supported from that. Redevelopment of the Gabba wasn’t on the proposal put to the IOC,” she said.

Mr Betts said the talks were focused on the high-level scope of the venues, with further details on design to come down the line once an agreement was reached.

“We have to reach agreement with Queensland on what the high-level scope is, what the cost associated with that scope is and what the appropriate contribution from the Commonwealth is, rather than writing a blank cheque of saying it will be 50 per cent of something to be determined,” he said.

Labor Senator Anthony Chisholm, representing Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, said the negotiations demonstrated the government was being responsible with taxpayer funds.

“I’m very excited about the Olympics, but I’m also someone who’s very responsible with taxpayer dollars,” she said.

“I think that Australian taxpayers would be relieved that we’re treating this as seriously as we are and we’ll ensure that we get a good deal for the Commonwealth.”