Sport Minister’s grim 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games warning

The Federal Sports Minister has warned Queensland cannot be guaranteed all 2032 Games events will be held in the Sunshine State despite the desire of the state government and event organisers.

Quuensland Minister for Sport and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Queensland cannot be guaranteed all 2032 Games events will be held in the Sunshine State despite the desire of the state government and event organisers, the Federal Sports Minister has warned.

The Crisafulli government has vocally touted 2032 as the Queensland games despite ongoing concerns Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River will not be approved as a Games venue.

Brisbane 2032 are in discussions with World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation regarding a technical visit to Rockhampton in the coming months.

Anika Wells, speaking in Brisbane alongside state Sports Minister Tim Mander on Thursday, warned decisions about Games venues could ultimately be made outside of governments.

“Obviously, the Queensland Government has indicated their strong preference that all events be contested within the state,” she said.

“But it isn’t just up to Tim (Mander), or I, or even Brisbane 2032 (Organising Committee), it is also very much a question for the International Federations to advise us on what they will accept.”

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells.

Ms Wells said there was precedent for events to be held outside host cities and regions after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this month cast doubt over the 2032 venue plan by suggesting Melbourne could still host tennis and rowing be relocated to Penrith.

For Sydney 2000, soccer matches were held at the Gabba and the MCG, while for Paris 2024, surfing was held in Tahiti.

Ms Wells said value for money must be considered.

“I don’t think anyone would challenge my passion for being a Queenslander, but as the Australian Sports Minister, I am elected and charged with the responsibility of making sure that all Australian taxpayers feel … that they have a place in the Brisbane 2032 Games., ” she said.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reaffirmed the state government’s promise to hold rowing on the Fitzroy River.

“Rowing will absolutely be in Rockhampton on the mighty Fitzroy River,” he said.

“And as I’ve said for many occasions now, including to the IOC, I might add, if it is okay for a teenager from Rocky to row the mighty Fitzroy River on the weekend, so too, is it okay for Pierre from Paris.”

Mr Bleijie remained confident that all regional competition venues would remain as set out in the 2032 delivery plan.

An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Source: Queensland Government.

Mr Mander and Ms Wells said discussions over a new 2032 intergovernmental agreement, including the use of $2.5bn previously allocated to the Brisbane Arena, would be finalised “soon”.

“We understand that people want to see us get on with this,” Ms Wells said.

“We understand that people want to see work advance as quickly as possible.”

Mr Mander said conversations were also ongoing with Athletics Australia, soccer and gymnastics officials whose sports were not given permanent new venues in the 2032 Delivery Plan.

“I’m very confident we’ll have legacy infrastructure for all those sports,” he said.

“I’m just asking people to be just a little bit more patient as we work through this.

“There’s a lot of decisions to be made, but I can guarantee you that there’ll be legacy in those sports.”

Mr Mander said he guaranteed Queenslanders “won’t be paying more than $7.1 billion” between the state and federal governments for 2032 infrastructure.