Petition grows but Annastacia Palaszczuk wins broad support for Olympic trip

Former IOC vice-president Kevan Gosper says it is ‘imperative’ the Premier goes to Tokyo to make a final pitch for the 2032 Olympics.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday. Picture: Dan Peled

Former International Olympic Committee vice-president Kevan Gosper says it is imperative that Annastacia Palaszczuk goes to Tokyo to make a final pitch for Brisbane to host the 2032 Olympics despite a growing petition calling for her not to go.

The Queensland Premier has been criticised over her plans to quarantine in a hotel after returning from Tokyo later this month after repeatedly calling for a reduction in hotel quarantine caps.

An online petition titled “Deny Annastacia Palaszczuk an exemption to leave Australia to attend the Tokyo Olympics” has attracted nearly 40,000 signatures since it was created last week.

Mr Gosper, a former Olympian 400m runner who is still an honorary member of the IOC and president of the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania, told The Australian that views about the government’s handling of the pandemic should not be conflated with the Games bid.

“I think people have allowed their feelings on other matters to get in the way,” Mr Gosper said.

“I think she should go, it would be most appropriate and it would be misunderstood if she didn’t go.

“I’m not sure it would cost us the candidature but I think it would be very unfortunate.’’

Autralian former International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Kevan Gosper.

Ms Palaszczuk on Tuesday defended her planned trip, saying it was appropriate because she had been vaccinated.

“People are entitled to their views, I understand their views, but this is the biggest opportunity that Queensland has ever seen,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the 2032 Olympics here in Queensland.”

Ms Palaszczuk’s lobbying of Prime Minister Scott Morrison was instrumental in Australia’s hotel quarantine places being reduced by 50 per cent after numerous leaks in the system caused simultaneous outbreaks across the country.

Federal Sport Minister Richard Colbeck and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner are expected to join Ms Palaszczuk on the trip.

Mr Schrinner backed Ms Palaszczuk, saying he was “eager to be in Tokyo for the final push for Brisbane’s Olympic bid, alongside the Queensland Premier and representatives of the federal government”.

“(The Olympics) would deliver benefits for decades to come by uniting all levels of government to deliver the infrastructure that is critical for our city’s growth …” Mr Schrinner said.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said those against the Tokyo trip “simply don’t understand what’s at risk for our state”.

The petition came after Deputy Premier Steven Miles last week said the international border should be closed to business and leisure travellers because they were putting Queenslanders at risk.