Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Deputy Mayor Donna Gates tipped to be snubbed for 2032 Olympic Games committee

The real reason behind why Mayor Tom Tate, or any of the Gold Coast’s top public servants won’t get a seat at the table for the 2032 Olympic Games organising committee has been revealed.

Gold Coast hopes its Mayor will get one of the last 2032 Olympics planning committee spots are being dashed, with a source saying “bet the house” on a Games snub.

Five vacant positions remain with a global recruitment company, appointed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, to make recommendations soon.

Games experts along with sources from government and council – canvassed by the Bulletin – all agree the City of Gold Coast is at “the longest odds” to get a representative.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams. Picture: Richard Walker

This is despite hosting nine sports, managing a new athletes village at Robina and more council venues than Brisbane, plus having hosted the successful 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Redlands Mayor Karen Williams has a place – despite having just a whitewater event. In appointees this week, Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook and sprinter Patrick Johnson were added.

The Gold Coast council has sought legal opinion on advice from Games experts who are aware of legislation for final appointments which rules out “an elected office holder” – such as Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate or his deputy Donna Gates.

Gold Coast City Council officers studying the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangement Bill say it shows for appointment of independent directors, none of them can be “an elected office holder”.

A council source told the Bulletin: “The Mayor or Donna Gates cannot fill those final positions. We are not going to get a representative on the organising committee of the Games.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

While a State Government source maintains it is still “technically possible” for Mr Tate to be appointed if recommended by consultants, he remains at long odds.

“The whole reason he misses out is the dummy spit about leaving the South East Queensland Council of Mayors,” a George Street source said.

“The Mayor of Brisbane (Adrian Schrinner) doesn’t like him. They along with the Queensland Government are the second biggest backers of the Games. I’m not a betting person, but I’d bet my house he won’t be on it.”

A State Government spokesperson said: “The remaining five positions will be based on recommendations from an independent, worldwide talent search. These positions will be agreed by the Prime Minister and the Premier and announced shortly.”

The first meeting of the powerful committee will be next month.

If council lacks representation, it complicates the political machinery of building the Games.

The only Coast representative so far appointed is business and sports identity Rebecca Frizelle brought in by Prime Minister Scott Morrison given her experience with the Paralympics.

If Mayor Tate or Deputy Mayor Gates was on the board, it could direct it on city related Games issues and either could then inform council on the floor of Evandale Chambers.

Councillor Gates earlier this week said it was important to understand only an official from the City of Gold Coast could vote, on the board to take financial matters back to the council chamber.

Councillor Donna Gates. Picture Glenn Hampson

She told the Bulletin: “Realistically, as everyday ticks by and the inaugural meeting of the 2032 SEQ Olympics and Paralympics Board draws closer, it is looking unlikely our city will get a spot on the board.

“The irony is while we wait, Mayor Tate has received confirmation correspondence from the global recruitment firm stating his application remains current. Let’s hope it converts from an application to an appointment.’’

Mayor Tate was travelling and unavailable to comment.

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Originally published as Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Deputy Mayor Donna Gates tipped to be snubbed for 2032 Olympic Games committee