Sydney Olympics proof of important role of coordination authority

The man charged with overseeing Sydney’s Olympic Coordination Authority received a top award from the OIC for his crucial role in the success of the 2000 Games – but the role he played will not exist in 2032 after a decision by the Palaszczuk government.

The man charged with overseeing Sydney’s Olympic Coordination Authority was awarded the IOC’s top honour following the event for his crucial role – a role which will not exist after the Palaszczuk government dumped the plans.

Sydney’s OCA was an integral arm in the lead-up to the 2000 Games – famously dubbed the “best Olympic Games ever” by then-IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch at the closing ceremony

Following the 2000 Games, OCA chair David Richmond was awarded the gold Olympic Order, with then-Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates saying “Australia and the Olympic movement owe David a great debt for what he achieved”, and he “helped pull it all together”.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Evan Morgan

Despite being a significant part of Brisbane’s submission to the IOC – with a pledge to have it established five months after winning the 2032 bid – on Thursday Deputy Premier Steven Miles confirmed an OCA would not be established for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Instead, Dr Miles’ department will take charge of infrastructure, while Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s department will be responsible for overall co-ordination.

“These are projects that the government delivers all of the time,” he said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey also defended the decision on Friday, saying the state government had a proven record on delivering infrastructure projects in conjunction with the commonwealth.

But both the LNP and the Greens have been quick to slam the Palaszczuk’s government’s decision to forgo establishing an OCA, with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli saying “the Premier having ultimate control was never part of the plan”.

“The Premier is not acting in the interest of Queenslanders and clearly believes she no longer needs to consult. She no longer thinks there needs to be transparency,” he said.