Annastacia Palaszczuk promises to work cooperatively as Olympics Minister

Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised to work cooperatively with the federal government when it comes to the 2032 Olympics.

Annastacia Palaszczuk would have the ability to direct Brisbane’s Olympics committee to produce documents or improve its performance – but declared federal government concerns she could wield too much power were “factually incorrect”.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Ms Palaszczuk, as Olympics Minister, would have the ability to issue a “written direction about the performance of its functions” under draft legislation establishing the 2032 Organising Committee (OCOG) set to go before the parliament later this month.

The Premier could also direct the committee to provide information, release documents or issue reports relating to the planning of the Games.

However, any direction given by Ms Palaszczuk could only be made in accordance under the obligations of the host contract.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised to work cooperatively as Olympics Minister. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Ted O’Brien, the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the Olympics, on Saturday declared he could recommend Scott Morrison walk away from the Olympics partnership over concerns Ms Palaszczuk would hold too much power over the organising committee.

Mr O’Brien’s threat was immediately hosed down by senior Coalition figures who insisted they remained committed to the partnership.

Ms Palaszczuk on Sunday denied the draft legislation – which is out for consultation among Olympics stakeholders – gave her too much power.

“I will work very cooperatively with the federal government, in fact, the best thing the International Olympic Committee said was the fact that all three levels of government were working so well together – that’s the council, the state and the federal,” she said.

“I think it was you know, it’s a bit odd for a backbencher to be commenting on something that has been dealt with at the ministerial level.”

Ted O'Brien had warned the federal government could withdraw from the 50-50 partnership for the Brisbane Olympics. Picture: Patrick Woods

Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates said there were no issues with the amount of influence Ms Palaszczuk, as Minister and Premier, would have.

“It doesn’t cause me any concern because the functions of the OCOG are clearly set out in the host contract,” he said.

Sport Minister Richard Colbeck on Saturday insisted the Commonwealth was providing feedback on the draft committee Bill and said the Morrison Government was committed to continuing the collaborative approach which helped Brisbane win the Games.

“We understand other Games partners, including the IOC, AOC and Brisbane City Council, have also provided a range of comments,” he said.

“We are working closely with the Queensland Government and other Games partners to ensure these issues are resolved before the Bill can be finalised.

“The Bill is a critical foundation for the Games that we must get right.”