Olympic board hunger games begin as parliament passes landmark laws

Brisbane’s Olympic Games chiefs are set to start work on a slimmed down organising committee as parliament passes planning laws described as relic of the Joh era.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris. File picture: Tertius Pickard

Brisbane’s Olympic Games organisers will soon start work to determine who survives the axe and remains on a slimmed down organising committee board.

Parliament on Wednesday night voted to reduce the number of directors on the Brisbane Organising Committee for the Olympic Games from 24 to 15.

It will remove politicians and puts at risk the participation of some of the biggest names in Australian sport and business.

Who is appointed to the three independent director roles will be a matter for 2032 President Andrew Liveris, in consultation with the government.

Reducing the size of the committee was a recommendation of the 100-day review to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of decision making.

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick attempted to ensure future funding for the 2032 Games could only be provided through an act of Parliament – but it was rejected.

“Queenslanders deserve to know when the goalposts are being moved and why … this protects taxpayers from backroom budget blowouts,” he said.

A provision to ensure 50 per cent of nominated directors were women has been removed.

Separately, the government has overhauled planning rules to ensure renewable energy projects are subject to community consultation and a tougher approvals process.

It also ensures Olympic and Paralympic Games-related infrastructure does not require approval under some dozen planning laws.

Greens MP Michael Berkman likened the action to that of a “bloody-minded, pig-headed government” 50 years ago.

“Here we Joh again,” he said.

Mr Berkman described the planning changes as the most “extraordinary overreach we’ve seen in generations”.