Olympics 2032: Brisbane takes another big step towards securing Games

Brisbane is another step closer to being named as the host of the 2032 Olympics. Find out what is happening behind the scenes to make this a reality.

Brisbane is another big step closer to being officially named as the host of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics after getting the thumbs up from the full International Olympic Committee (IOC) membership.

The IOC executive board already announced last month that it had agreed to enter into ‘targeted dialogue” with Southeast Queensland after it was identified as the preferred candidate for the 2032 Games.

But now that decision has been supported by the full IOC membership after re-elected IOC President Thomas Bach gave his endorsement to the new procedures for selecting host cities.

“The new approach is focused on keeping costs to a minimum and it prevents undue influence and lobbying,” Bach said.

“Our revolution had immediate positive results.”

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IOC president Thomas Bach reacting after he was re-elected. Picture: AFP

With Paris (2024) and Los Angeles (2028) already locked in for the next two Summer Olympics after this year’s rescheduled Tokyo Games, one of the keys to fast-tracking Brisbane as the preferred candidate for 2032 has been the unwavering support of the government.

All three levels of government are backing the bid, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison personally appearing in a video presentation that was aired to the full IOC Session during this week’s virtual meeting.

“We will leave nothing to chance as we work with you during this period of dialogue,” the Prime Minister said.

“We want to be a trusted partner, a thorough and reliable partner of the International Olympic Committee.

“We’ll be a certain partner in uncertain times. We take nothing for granted and look forward to working with you. We know there is still much more ahead and the ultimate decision is yours.”

AOC President John Coates watches Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during a press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

Queensland state premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also appeared on the video, along with Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates, who was one of the architects of the new Future Host Commission.

The commission was established after an alarming drop off in the number of candidates for the 2024 Summer Games and the 2022 Winter Games, awarded to Beijing.

Coates’ role in helping to develop the framework for selecting future hosts has led to some grumblings from other candidates for 2032 but the commission chair, Norway’s Kristin Kloster Aasen, told the Session the new system was completely transparent.

“IOC Executive Board Members and representatives of countries who have expressed an interest in hosting the Games are not allowed to serve on the Future Host Commissions,” she said.

“The Commissions represent all stakeholder groups – the International Federations, the National Olympic Committees, athletes and the International Paralympic Committee. And there are strict rules in regard to confidentiality, conflict of interest and abiding by the IOC‘s Code of Ethics.

Exactly when Brisbane is officially named as 2032 host remains unknown but it could be as early as July 20 or 21, when the IOC Session next meets, just days before the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics.

It is up to the IOC executive board to decide when to proceed with the formal election of the 2032 host. The executive board will meet in Tokyo on July 17 and 18.

In the meantime, Brisbane 2032 and the AOC have been asked to submit their responses before the Future Host Commission reports back to the executive board.

Only once Brisbane meets all the requirements can the vote proceed but the IOC will also continue talks with other candidates in case they are not met.

Originally published as Olympics 2032: Brisbane takes another big step towards securing Games