Ex-Queensland Premier Peter Beattie named Commonwealth Games corporation boss

FORMER Queensland premier Peter Beattie has been named as the head of the corporation that will organise and run a major event.

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie.

FORMER Queensland premier Peter Beattie has been appointed as the new chairman of the Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement on Tuesday morning at Coolangatta, venue of the Games’ beach volleyball competition.

She defended Mr Beattie’s appointment, saying he “could sell ice to eskimos” and was the perfect choice to promote the event.

Mr Beattie, who served as Labor premier from 1998 to 2007, had a wealth of experience that would contribute to the Games’ success, she said.

“As premier, Peter Beattie secured 2001 Goodwill Games and this was another major opportunity to showcase Queensland globally,” she said.

“Through his experience and energy, Peter will help my government ensure the 2018 Games are the best ever.”

He replaces long-serving chairman Nigel Chamier, who has resigned.

Mr Beattie this morning laughed at comparisons to comeback king John Farnham.

“I really like John Farnham so I am glad to be compared to him,” he said.

Former editor-in-chief of Gold Coast Publications Pty Ltd Bob Gordon was also announced as a member of the board of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation at the event.

Bob Gordon.

Mr Gordon has more than 50 years’ experience in journalism which includes 13 years as editor-in-chief with the publishers of The Gold Coast Bulletin while also working at The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail.

GOLDOC sits within the portfolio of the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games. Working with Government and Games partners, the functions of GOLDOC are to undertake and facilitate the organisation, conduct, promotion and commercial and financial management of the Commonwealth Games, including events and programs associated with the Commonwealth Games.

The GOLDOC Board is responsible for the way GOLDOC performs its functions and exercises its powers in an appropriate, effective and efficient way. The Board derives its authority from the enabling legislation.