Brisbane Olympic Games 2032 bid under threat after IOC send warning to Annastacia Palaszczuk

Amid criticism of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s plans to travel to Tokyo next week, it seems a no-show could have disastrous consequences.

Olympic officials have warned Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that she has to turn up in Tokyo and press the case for a Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

News that Ms Palaszczuk was reconsidering her Japan trip because of Queensland’s dealings with the coronavirus pandemic has not been well received in Tokyo, where more than 100 International Olympic Committee members will vote whether to award the 2032 Games to Brisbane on July 21.

Ms Palaszczuk is part of a very small political presentation to the members, reassuring them of Queensland’s commitment to the Games, and importantly being able to meet them and discuss the advantages of a future Brisbane games.

The IOC members take great stock in diplomatic appearances and there is a very small risk that if she doesn’t appear the members may postpone a vote on the Brisbane candidature.

Australian chef de mission Ian Chesterman usually avoids political issues, but he stressed on Friday how important it was for Ms Palaszczuk to appear.

“I can only character from people who are in the inner sanctum (of the IOC),”Chesterman said.

“John Coates, obviously our president and who has been instrumental in getting this bid forward, Kevan Gosper who has been a long time IOC member, and now honorary member are both very clear of the view it is the right thing to do for a state that wants to host the Olympic Games to show their commitment by being in front of the other members of the IOC, to put our final case.

“This is the first time that the IOC have been able to get together for some time and it gives an opportunity, and it is the last opportunity, for us to make a final presentation.

“Clearly with the premier here they would take comfort of understanding our full commitment to doing everything that we need to do to host the Games.’’

Under new IOC rules, there is no bidding process for future Games, but rather Queensland has been engaging in ongoing dialogue about holding the Games. Other countries such as Qatar and Germany have been upset about what perceive to be preferential treatment given to the Queensland candidature.