AOC Encouraged Following Meeting of 2032 Olympic Candidature Leadership Group

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has expressed confidence in Brisbane and Queensland mounting a compelling case to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, following the inaugural meeting of the 2032 Olympic Candidature Leadership Group in Cairns today.

The meeting, convened and chaired by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, was attended by the leadership group comprising Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Chair Council of Mayors of South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) , Cr Adrian Schrinner, Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien MP, who will be the Prime Minister’s representative in delivering on the Commonwealth’s commitments towards a candidature, and AOC President John Coates AC.

Qld Tourism and Events Minister Kate Jones attended the meeting and will be Queensland’s second representative. President of the Queensland Local Government Association and Mayor of Sunshine Coast, Mark Jamieson also attended, and will be CoMSEQ’s second representative. AOC CEO, Matt Carroll will complete the Group.

Mr Coates said the meeting reaffirmed the commitment from all levels of government and the AOC ahead of a first meeting as a group with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland in September.

“Today was an outstanding start and strong display of unity.

“My thanks and congratulations to the Prime Minister for his initiative in establishing the leadership group.

“The leadership group will ensure a disciplined approach and alignment between all levels of government.

“We know Queensland and Australia has the capability and experience to host an Olympic Games in this country for a third time but must ensure that all planning is aligned with Queensland’s long-term requirements, particularly transport infrastructure, including fast rail, community well-being and grass roots sports.

Mr Coates paid tribute to the Council of Mayors of South East Queensland (COMSEQ) in laying the foundations through the comprehensive feasibility study they commissioned and released last year, and the Queensland Government for their ready appreciation of the significant benefits that the Games can bring to all of Queensland. The Queensland Government Taskforce will now take this to the next stage.

“Recent changes to the Olympic Charter minimise candidature election costs and the election of a host is no longer limited to seven years before the particular Games.  In the case of Los Angeles 2028 the City was elected eleven years before.  Priority must be given to the use of existing and temporary venues.  The construction of new permanent venues shall only be considered on the basis of sustainable legacy plans” Coates said. 

“The IOC recently wrote to the Premier advising that while it is too early to forecast the IOC contribution to the successful staging of the 2032 Olympic Games, any potential candidates should base their feasibilities and forecast budgeting on the USD1.8 billion IOC contribution to the operating budget of the LA2028 Organising Committee.” Mr Coates concluded.