Queensland Academy of Sport Bill 2025
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee
6 members · Chair: Jim McDonald
The State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee examined the bill and recommended it be passed with an amendment. The bill establishes the Queensland Academy of Sport as an independent statutory body, replacing its current status as a unit within a government department. The committee recommended that the board be required to include members with qualifications, skills or competencies in both Olympic and Paralympic sport, and the government supported this recommendation with a minor modification.
Key findings (4)
- Stakeholders broadly supported converting the QAS from a departmental unit to a statutory body to improve operational agility and competitiveness
- Current departmental constraints affect the QAS's ability to adopt emerging technologies, procure specialised products, and engage with commercial partners
- Key concerns focused on board composition, development pathways for athletes with disability, and support for regional athletes and coaches
- Researchers raised concerns about alignment with the Child Safe Organisation Act 2024 given the QAS targets programs for children
Recommendations (2)
- The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
- The committee recommends that the Bill be amended to require that Board members collectively have qualifications, skills or competencies in both Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Vote on a motion
Vote on the guillotine motion to set time limits for debate on both the Trusts Bill and Queensland Academy of Sport Bill. The LNP government moved to complete the Trusts Bill by 5.30 pm and the QAS Bill by 9 pm. ALP, Greens, KAP and Independent opposed the time limits.
The motion was agreed to.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
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Ayes (54)
Noes (32)
▸12 members spoke6 support6 mixed
As Minister for Sport, introduced the bill to establish the QAS as an independent statutory body, emphasising the need for agility and flexibility to support elite athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032.
“The academy needs to be a statutory body to gain greater independence, flexibility and efficiency in its operations, particularly in preparing athletes for the Brisbane 2032 games and beyond.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported the bill's objectives but proposed amendments for para-sport representation, child safety provisions, women's sport reporting, and regional athlete support, criticising the government for not addressing these issues.
“The opposition supports the objectives of this bill, especially as Queensland prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games... However, as drafted, the Queensland Academy of Sport Bill misses key opportunities to make the academy the very best that it can be.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
As committee chair, strongly supported the bill, praising the government for accelerating the transition from two years to six months.
“We are fast-forwarding things and making sure that the changes that will come from the Queensland Academy of Sport Bill will be in place from 1 July this year, which will provide an ample runway for the Olympics in 2028.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
As deputy committee chair, supported the bill's intent but raised significant concerns about lack of transparency, child safety provisions, and absence of mandatory para-sport and disability representation on the board.
“We have a moral and a legal obligation to ensure our child athletes are protected. This bill does not go far enough and I hope tonight that the government shows Queensland that it does care about protecting children and votes with us on those amendments.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported the bill to establish the QAS as an independent statutory body, noting the government's acceleration of the transition timeline.
“Our government, by introducing this bill, accelerated the transition to be completed in six months, maximising our athletes' performance in the lead-up to the LA 2028 and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported the bill's intent but raised concerns about governance, child safety, women's sport funding, para-sport representation, and regional athlete support.
“While I support its intent, I cannot support its current structure. Let us take this moment to get it right—to strengthen transparency, protect children and legislate for equity and inclusion.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill, emphasising the government's commitment to diversity, inclusion and support for Paralympic athletes.
“The establishment of an independent academy will allow for additional focus to be placed on programs such as YouFor2032.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported structural reforms but criticised the lack of governance safeguards, transparency requirements for women's sport and para-sport funding, and child safety provisions.
“The opposition recognises that with the upcoming Olympics, legislating the QAS to become a statutory body would have great benefits to sport in this state... However, the current bill provides a governance framework that is not fit for purpose.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill, praising the government for delivering where the previous government delayed, and emphasising benefits for regional athletes.
“The Crisafulli government has done more in the last 183 days than an incompetent Queensland Labor Party that frittered away over 1,340 days.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported the bill's intent but advocated strongly for amendments on child safety, disability representation, women's sport and regional participation.
“I cannot see why there could be opposition to these amendments because it only makes things better for all Queenslanders—no matter who they are or where they are.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill, praising the government's acceleration of the QAS transition and legacy infrastructure for the Redlands region.
“I am so pleased to see that the Crisafulli LNP government were prepared to accelerate that so that our athletes... could have access to the leadership and support they need.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
Supported the opposition's amendments, criticising the bill for lacking diversity provisions and proper representation for para-athletes and women.
“I was really alarmed to see the drafting of this legislation that had no seat at the table for our para-athletes.”— 2025-05-01View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion was defeated.
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Ayes (32)
Noes (49)
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes the Queensland Academy of Sport as an independent statutory body, separate from the Department of Sport. The change is designed to give the Academy greater flexibility and agility in supporting elite Queensland athletes, particularly in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Who it affects
Elite and emerging Queensland athletes will benefit from a more focused organisation with better access to emerging sports technologies and commercial partnerships. Existing Academy staff will transfer to the new body but can choose to return to the Department within three months.
Key changes
- Queensland Academy of Sport becomes a statutory body with its own legal identity, funds and governance
- A board of 5-8 members with expertise in high-performance sport and business will oversee operations
- Academy functions include athlete development programs, coaching programs, scholarships, sports science research and high-performance facilities
- CEO appointed by Governor in Council, accountable to the board rather than a departmental hierarchy
- Existing departmental staff transfer automatically but can opt to return to the Department by 30 September 2025
- Minister retains power to give directions and set expectations for the Academy