An independent statutory body will be established to ensure Queensland is ready to host a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games under a new Bill introduced to the State Parliament.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Amendment Bill 2024 will see the formation of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority to deliver venues that will be used during the Games and by the community for the decades that follow, and a legacy program.
The legislation aims to ensure the Authority’s Board is independent and has the skills and diversity required to ensure the Authority performs its functions effectively and efficiently.
Establishing the Authority as a statutory body under legislation enables it to operate at arms-length from government. It will have control over its own funds, have operational independence, operate within a flexible structure and be subject to public sector accountability regimes.
The Authority will also be immune from government election cycles and be charged to autonomously deliver new and upgraded infrastructure that will be used during the Games and Games legacy projects.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, introduced the Bill to the House in April 2024.
An interim CEO is expected to be appointed once the Authority is established in mid-2024, with recruitment for the Board commencing shortly afterwards and appointments expected in September.
The Board will have up to seven independent directors, including the chair, who will be recommended for appointment by a selection panel comprising chief executives of the Games Delivery Partners. The Board will recruit and appoint a CEO, after consulting with Games Delivery Partners.
As part of its role, the Authority will be legislatively required to develop a Transport and Mobility Strategy within the first 18 months of its establishment, in consultation with Games Delivery Partners.
The Bill will now be referred to a parliamentary committee which will report backin May 2024.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “Announcing the need to establish a delivery authority for the Games was among my first acts as Premier and I’m extremely pleased to see we are setting the path with the introduction of this Bill.
“As I said at the time, the Games themselves don’t go for long, but the legacy for our communities will last for generations.
“If we want to make the most of the opportunity, we need to have all the right people at the table taking a collaborative and cooperative approach.
“With an independent Board, recommended by Games Delivery Partners, to oversee the functions of the Authority, I’m highly confident we will have the best people and right model guiding the way.”
Ms Grace said, “The establishment of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority builds on the extensive work our government has undertaken since being awarded the Games in 2021.
“We established the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, signed an historic $7.1 billion investment agreement with the Commonwealth, and launched You for 2032, Australia’s largest ever athlete talent identification program.
“Our Q2032 Procurement Strategy means businesses across Queensland are already getting match fit to win contracts – worth an estimated $180 billion – from our government, other suppliers, and the world market before, during, and after the Games.”
Ms Grace said that Elevate 2042, the 20-year legacy strategy, has laid the foundation for the Authority to immediately begin development on its Transport and Mobility Strategy.
“The Authority will follow a similar model to Sydney 2000 and London 2012 and will ensure we build the best value-for-money community sports infrastructure to create lasting benefits at a grassroots level.
“The Games are not just about four weeks of sport. They’re about creating jobs and new industries, creating healthy lifestyles, and capitalising on the uplift in tourism and trade across the state.”
President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Andrew Liveris, said, “The Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee is supportive of an independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority to oversee planning and delivery of new and upgraded Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, supporting long-term sporting and community legacies across Brisbane and Queensland.
“Delivering an Olympic and Paralympic Games is complex and requires consistent stakeholder engagement to ensure planning is collaborative and timelines are met.
“The Games will be the biggest event in Queensland’s history, and I have confidence that a Delivery Authority focused on both infrastructure and legacy will lead to positive and long-term social and economic benefits across Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia.”
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