Olympics special envoy Ted O’Brien internally reprimanded after making games threat

Senior Morrison Government figures have hosed down threats the Commonwealth could scrap its 2032 Olympics partnership with Queensland after one of their own MPs issued a stunning warning.

Senior Morrison Government figures have hosed down threats the Commonwealth could walk away from its 2032 Olympics partnership with Queensland despite a stunning warning from one of their own MPs.

Ted O’Brien, the Prime Minister’s special envoy on the Olympics, on Saturday warned he would urge Scott Morrison to scrap the 50-50 partnership with the state over concerns a draft proposal would give Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk too much power over an independent organising committee.

It’s understood Mr O’Brien was internally reprimanded over his comments, which sent shockwaves across the nation.

Ted O'Brien had warned he would urge the federal government to walking away from its 50-50 Olympics partnership. Picture: Patrick Woods

Sport Minister Richard Colbeck on Saturday insisted the Commonwealth had provided feedback on the draft committee Bill and 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.”

Queensland Health Minister and Leader of the House Yvette D’Ath said there was likely “a little bit of embarrassment” among Morrison Government MPs on Saturday following Mr O’Brien’s comments.

“I think it was a misstep by Ted O’Brien making his comments, but I believe that’s been righted now and Ted O’Brien’s now saying that Senator Colbeck will take it from here,” she said.

“This was unnecessary commentary around the Olympics.

“The legislation that’s been drafted is out for consultation.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has called for unity and a balanced organising committee. Picture: Tara Croser

Ms D’Ath said the government had worked closely with the federal government, the Brisbane City Council and stakeholders in drafting the organising committee legislation.

She said Commonwealth officials were also happy with the provisions within the draft legislation.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also weighed in on the public spat, calling for unity and a politically balanced organising committee.

“We are the fastest growing capital city in the country and a decade of co-operation by all levels of government in the lead up to the Games will set us up to deal with that growth and maintain Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle,” he said.

“However, that can only be achieved if the structures managing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are fair and reasonable at the outset.

“I’m confident the kinks in the draft legislation for the organising body of the Games can be ironed out to the satisfaction of all parties.”

Originally published as Olympics special envoy Ted O’Brien internally reprimanded after making games threat