ScoMo urges Premier and PM to stick to 2032 Games deal

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has urged the state and federal governments to put aside the “argy-bargy” and stick to the landmark 50:50 Olympics funding agreement.

• Please explain over ‘secret’ Olympic deals

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has urged the state and federal governments to put aside the “argy-bargy” over the Olympic and Paralympic funding agreement and stick to the original deal for the good of the Games.

Mr Morrison agreed to the landmark 50:50 funding agreement with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in April 2021, ahead of Brisbane’s successful bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

But a key sticking point to the agreement was the establishment of a joint state and federal infrastructure agency – an agency which has yet to be established – which was designed to ensure oversight and an equal partnership between the two levels of government.

A strong supporter of Brisbane’s bid, on Wednesday Mr Morrison said he was proud the government he led was among the first to pledge its support – many months before the Palaszczuk Government backed the idea.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visit he Gabba Stadium in Brisbane in March, 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“I was really pleased we were able to strike a fair dinkum partnership to make the Games a success,” he said.

It was also made clear by the federal government of the day the Gabba was not part of the agreement – rather it was established the 50:50 partnership was for crucial infrastructure essential to the Games.

“It’s so important for the Olympic Games to be above the argy-bargy of federal and state politics, and to realise the great opportunity the Games presents,” Mr Morrison said.

“This means sharing control and sharing funding, and I hope both sides live up to their end of the deal.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets with International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach in 2020. Picture: Adam Taylor

But despite Mr Morrison’s pledge – which was taken to the International Olympic Committee as part of Brisbane’s successful bid – for months Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Palaszczuk have appeared caught in a stalemate over the funding arrangements.

Political insiders have told The Courier-Mail the state government has pushed for more control, while the federal government has been weighing up the impact on the national budget.

Mr Albanese has also made pointed comments about the Sydney Olympics being “nothing like 50:50”, but has also continually said he would work “cooperatively” with the state government.

Ms Palaszczuk has repeatedly said she expects all commitments taken to the IOC “to be honoured”.

Despite a meeting of national cabinet last Friday no funding agreement had been announced, with negotiations reportedly ongoing.

Originally published as ScoMo urges Premier and PM to stick to 2032 Games deal