Former NSW Premier Morris Iemma to become Venues NSW chairman

Former NSW Premier Morris Iemma has become the most powerful person in NSW Sport and has set his sights high.

Morris Iemma.

Hosting a FIFA Men’s World Cup alongside a string of shows by superstar Adele is the new Venues NSW boss’ dream double-header event for Sydney.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that cabinet signed off on Former Premier Morris Iemma’s appointment as the Venues NSW chair on Thursday afternoon after he edged out more than 100 candidates during a month-long recruitment drive.

The role, vacated by businessman Tony Shepherd earlier this year, is seen as the most powerful position in NSW sport.

Venues NSW is responsible for delivering major events to Sydney and overseeing major stadiums.

Mr Iemma said he felt “fantastic” after being told he had got the top gig at VenuesNSW.

Morris Iemma is set to be given the role this afternoon picture John Grainger

“I’m really excited, very grateful for the opportunity, and looking to make a mark in something that I’ve had a lifelong passion for,” he told the Telegraph.

He said Sydney has “enormous opportunities” to utilise its world-class venues and precincts to draw international visits, jobs, and investment.

He said his first priorities will be settling on master plans for Wollongong and Newcastle. He said both cities were “magnificent locations” that bring “great opportunities to drive regional visits and regional events”.

He has also vowed to supercharge entertainment events in the Moore Park entertainment precinct, when an archaic concert cap is lifted.

Mr Iemma in 2017 was appointed to chair Greyhound Racing NSW, and has also served on the board of the SCG Trust.

Ahead of the FIFA Womens World Cup kicking off in Sydney on Thursday, Mr Iemma said it was his “dream” to one day bring the Men’s event to Sydney.

Morris Iemma wants the Men’s World Cup to come to Australia. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

“It’s sensational that we are part-hosting the Women’s World Cup, and people will be knocked out by how good the Women’s World Cup will be.

“Having secured the Women’s World Cup, I still dream that one day we will host a FIFA Men’s World Cup.”

He said that a string of Sydney shows by English superstar Adele to Sydney would be top of his list for entertainment achievements, because - he said - his daughter would “never forgive” him if he named anyone else.

It comes after an independent “expressions of interest” process was launched last month.

The independent panel was tasked with assessing applications, putting together a shortlist, submitting recommendations to the Minister, and ultimately seeking ministerial approval.

Rod McGeoch, who has been acting as chair following Mr Shepherd’s retirement, is expected to go back to his permanent job as Deputy Chair.

Mr McGeoch had applied for the role of VenuesNSW chairman after he was asked to throw his hat in the ring. His current board spot runs out in November.

There is also speculation that broadcaster Alan Jones could lose his spot on the board when his position runs out in November.

When contacted by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Jones said he was unsure if he would be invited back.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman accused the government of running a “job agency for the Iemma family” — after Premier Chris Minns gave jobs to two of Mr Iemma’s kids.

“This is no longer just Jobs for the Boys, the Minns government is looking like they’re a job agency for the Iemma family — and trying to reunite his former office in the public sector.

“If you were previously employed as his Labor staffer, and haven’t been offered a top job by this Labor government, you must be just waiting for your phone to ring.”