Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan unanimously dumped by board

Paralympics Australia president Jock O’Callaghan has been unanimously dumped by his board after attempting to remain in the top job beyond next year.

Paralympics Australia president Jock O’Callaghan has been removed by his board less than a year out from the Paris Games and amid claims he attempted to change the organisation’s constitution stay on the board beyond next year.

Mr O’Callaghan, who was inspired by his son’s disability to join Paralympics Australia, was dismissed by the board over the weekend.

Former Australian Army Brigadier and Rowing Australia board member Alison Creagh has been named the new president.

Mr O’Callaghan’s nine-year term was due to expire next year, however, it’s understood he sought support from the Paralympics Australia board and Australian Sports Commission to change the constitution to allow him to continue serving on the board, but failed.

The Paralympics Australia board, which includes former Queensland Government minister Kate Jones, last week unanimously voted to remove him.

Jock O'Callaghan speaks at the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum at the Brisbane RNA convention centre.

Paralympics Australia said the appointment of Ms Creagh came at an “important time” for the organisation ahead of the Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

“I am humbled and excited to lead this wonderful organisation which plays such a critical role to develop the Para-sport community and to enable Australia’s Paralympic teams to excel against the world’s best,” Ms Creagh said.

“With the ongoing support of our amazing community of athletes, coaches, sports administrators, leaders and our valued partners, I’m looking forward to what we can achieve during my tenure.”

Mr O’Callaghan has served as on the Paralympics board since 2015 and as president since 2018.

He will continue to serve on the board until his maximum term ends next year, the organisation revealed.

Ms Creagh thanked Mr O’Callaghan for his commitment to Paralympians and the disability sporting community.

“Jock has led the organisation during a time of significant reform of the Australian sporting landscape and the successful awarding of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We thank Jock for his service and for his significant contribution during his five years as president and eight years on the board.”

Ms Creagh, a retired Army Brigadier, was one of the most senior female officers in the Australian Defence Force when she retired in 2015 after a 30-year career.

She becomes the eighth president since the organisation was established in 1990 and the third female president.