Former Queensland minister Kate Jones joins ARL Commission

The ARL Commission has strengthened its ranks by appointing former Queensland minister Kate Jones.

Former Queensland minister Kate Jones will join the ARL Commission

The ARL Commission has strengthened its ranks by appointing former Queensland minister Kate Jones and guaranteed some long-term stability by handing chair Peter V’landys a fresh three year term that guarantees he will remain at the game’s helm for the foreseeable future.

Megan Davis has also been given an additional three year term under changes that were shared with club officials on Tuesday night.

Jones stepped down from her role as major events and tourism minister before the recent election and was subsequently linked with the chief executive role at the Brisbane Broncos due to her passion for rugby league.

While that job is expected to be filled by former Melbourne chief executive Dave Donaghy, Jones has joined the commission where she will add to Queensland representation on the board.

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie is also a board member, having stepped down as chair to make way for V’landys. He worked alongside Jones at the Commonwealth Games and has a big opinion of the former politician.

“She did a brilliant job with the Commonwealth Games and will do a brilliant job with rugby league,“ Beattie said.

“She is a great team player. I enjoyed working with her during the Commonwealth Games which were run on time and on budget.

“It was an unanimous decision of the commission. I learnt she was clearly passionate about rugby league having worked closely with her for two years. She has the energy and drive.

“Queensland loves her and she will be great for the commission.”

Jones will provide the ARL Commission with unprecedented access to the government on the ground in Queensland. While Beattie and Davis are Queenslanders, both work in Sydney.

Jones also gives the commission profile in terms of sport and rugby league, having championed the code during her time in government. Among her many achievements was Magic Round — she was a driver behind the concept coming to fruition.

She also provides the commission with further female representation, effectively taking the place of Foxtel executive Amanda Laing on the board. Laing stepped down earlier this year and her position was never filled.

It is understood a nominations committee compromising commissioners, club and state representatives recommended Jones’ ascent to the commission and the appointment was confirmed by the commission itself on Tuesday afternoon.

At the same meeting, the commission made the decision to extend the tenures of V’landys and Davis. Both have been pivotal figures in recent months and V’landys has been largely credited with helping the game through the Covid crisis, cajoling the clubs and government to ensure the code remained on track.

As impressive as Jones’ appointment is, V’landys arguably represents the more significant move given the high regard with which he is held in the code and across sport.

He has proven in recent months why is regarded as the pre-eminent sports administrator in the country, somehow keeping the code on track when it looked like falling apart.

“It is the most important thing,” Beattie said of V’landys’ new tenure.

“V’landys is the best thing that has happened to rugby league. We need him around for 10 years, him coming back is important for the game.

“He gives the game stability and credibility. He has been the best chair that rugby league has ever had.

“Peter V’landys is the best sports administrator in Australia in any sport.”