Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee
That the bill be now read a second time
Party VoteVote to advance the bill establishing the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority to the committee stage; resolved in the affirmative under standing order 106(10) without a recorded division.
The motion passed.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
▸15 members spoke7 support1 oppose7 mixed
As Minister introducing the bill, outlined the establishment of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority as an important step to deliver a successful 2032 Olympics with lasting legacy across the state.
“The passage of this bill in facilitating the establishment of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority and its board is an important next step in delivering a successful 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Supported the concept of an independent delivery authority but criticised the government for wasting 1,037 days before establishing it. Moved amendments seeking regional representation on the board and a 100-day review of venues.
“In the election in October we are asking the people of Queensland to give the LNP 100 days to fix what the Labor Party has bungled in over 1,000 days.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As committee chair, commended the bill and emphasised that legacy is embedded at the centre of everything the new authority will do. Praised the structure modelled on Sydney 2000 and London 2012.
“I rise to commend the bill to the House. Our committee reviewed the bill and I appreciate the opportunity to speak on it. I believe every Queenslander is proud that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held here in 2032.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Supported the need for an independent body but criticised the government for not establishing it 1,000 days earlier. Raised concerns about transparency and the Information Commissioner's issues with RTI exemptions.
“If only we thought to put in an independent review body 1,000 days ago when the LNP started to talk about the fact that we needed an independent body to control all of these venues and make sure they got built on time.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Defended the government's record on Olympics preparation including Go for Gold schools program and You for 2032 athlete identification program as already delivering legacy benefits.
“The member for Kawana should remind himself that we have established strategies such as Go for Gold. Right across Queensland, more than 600 schools, I think it is, have already received funding for sporting equipment.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Expressed KAP's wholesale rejection of hosting the Olympics due to costs, arguing the money would be better spent on regional infrastructure like roads, bridges and health services in disadvantaged areas.
“The KAP wholeheartedly rejects the notion of holding the Olympics given the costs involved.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Confirmed LNP supports hosting the 2032 Olympics but criticised the government for taking nearly three years to establish a coordination authority and losing public goodwill through chaotic planning.
“Right from the very beginning when the Olympics was mooted the opposition has supported Brisbane hosting the 2032 games.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Supports the Olympics but expressed concern that Labor's mismanagement over 1,000 days has turned regional Queenslanders against it. Called for regional representation on the authority board.
“Here is the issue: I support the Olympics and think they will be a fantastic event for Queensland. I am so proud that our capital city, Brisbane, is holding those Olympics.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Strongly defended the bill, noting Labor delivered the Commonwealth Games on time and under budget. Emphasised the transformative cultural and social legacy beyond just sport.
“We delivered the Commonwealth Games and the public transport legacy on the Gold Coast. The Commonwealth Games were a smashing success, and we will do it again with these Olympic Games.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Criticised the government for wasting three years and now needing another 18 months to develop a transport plan. Highlighted the 20km gap between planned rail terminus at Caloundra and the athletes' village at Maroochydore.
“It has been nearly three years since it was announced that Brisbane and South-East Queensland had won the right to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. Only now are we seeing a bill before the House for an independent venue and delivery authority.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Supported the bill establishing the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, noting community interest including in potential upgrades to QSAC in his electorate.
“The Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee report No. 9, 57th Parliament, Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Bill, tabled in this Assembly on 17 May 2024, recommended that the bill be passed.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Welcomed the independent authority but raised serious concerns about lack of transparency, RTI exemptions, compulsory land acquisition powers, and potential negative impacts on housing and displacement of residents.
“We are really pleased that an independent authority will now exist. It is something that should have existed years ago, but the authority has been vested with some pretty serious powers alongside elements of this bill that will continue to cut everyday Queenslanders out of decision-making.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill and the Olympics, highlighting Cross River Rail as evidence of government commitment to transport infrastructure. Called for ending negativity and working together.
“I support the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Amendment Bill and of course I support the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As committee member, supported the concept of a delivery authority but criticised the 1,000-day delay in establishing it. Supported LNP amendments for an independent review and regional representation.
“I can see the benefit that the games will bring in Queensland and I can see the benefits that will apply to transport connectivity across the sporting and cultural areas, as well as tourism and commercial opportunities.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Proudly supported the bill as an exciting step toward brilliant 2032 Games. Emphasised the holistic approach of the authority across venues and legacy benefits beyond official Olympic sites.
“I rise proudly to support this bill. I thank the minister for progressing it. The establishment of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority is an exciting and significant next step to what I believe will be a brilliant Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
Vote on LNP amendment requiring at least one director of the authority to live in a regional area; defeated 30-45 with LNP voting in favour and ALP voting against.
The motion was defeated.
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Ayes (30)
Noes (45)
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority to ensure Queensland can deliver venues, villages, and infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on time and on budget. The authority will operate independently with its own board but ultimately the State guarantees to cover any financial shortfall.
Who it affects
Queensland taxpayers underwrite the costs, while South East Queensland residents may see planning decisions fast-tracked. Landowners near venues could face compulsory acquisition, and local councils must follow the authority's directions on transport infrastructure.
Key changes
- Creates a new Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority as a statutory body with an independent board of up to 7 directors
- Authority must deliver venues, monitor village delivery, and coordinate all government obligations under the Olympic Host Contract
- Grants power to bypass normal planning processes and declare development as 'accepted development' when needed for timely delivery
- Allows compulsory acquisition of land for venues and villages, following Acquisition of Land Act processes
- Requires a transport and mobility strategy within 18 months, with power to direct councils and agencies to deliver critical infrastructure
- State will assume all assets and liabilities when the authority is dissolved after the Games