Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Multiple identities to battle for two spots on committee
Major Australian sport and business personalities will have seven weeks to advocate to secure the final two places on a downsized Brisbane Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
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Major Australian sport and business personalities will have seven weeks to advocate to secure the final two places on a downsized Brisbane Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
As revealed by The Courier-Mail, Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie said on Thursday the government would adopt a recommendation of the 100-day Games review to slice the size of the powerful organising committee.
On Thursday he revealed a seven-week committee process would consider the change to the size of the board.
Two available independent director spots will be chosen after consultation between stakeholders, government and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris, who welcomed the smaller board.
“I’m committed to operating with a streamlined board in the future,” he said.
“Whether you are a member of the board, an athlete, a volunteer or any other position, we all have a role to play in ensuring the success of our Games in 2032.”
Mr Bleijie also introduced legislation to focus the Games Independent Infrastructure Co-ordination Authority on planning and overseeing the construction of Olympic venues.
It includes the power to override existing legal protections – including heritage listings – to deliver key venues like the proposed Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park.
“We have the time to deliver this plan as long as we get started now,” Mr Bleijie said.
Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Sue Bremner said the government’s plan would not deter the group from taking legal action.
The group has raised almost $70,000 to fund a legal challenge to the construction of the stadium.
Any drawn-out legal battle could put more pressure on already tight construction time frames.
Ms Bremner labelled the move disgraceful and a slap in the face to the community.
“While we expected this decision from the state government, it is an outrage and demonstrates the government’s attempt to block legitimate objections through the democratic process,” she said.
“If the government truly believed these stadiums were justified, why would they need to tear down so many legal protections to build them?
“This move doesn’t stop us. It strengthens our resolve.
“Legal actions are being prepared – we will fight this and our legal team is in the process of scrutinising all relevant laws.”
Legislation to make Queensland Academy of Sport a statutory agency has also been amended to ensure the board also has Paralympic expertise.
Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Multiple identities to battle for two spots on committee
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