Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021

Spoke enthusiastically in support of the bill, highlighting economic benefits for regional Queensland and inviting Olympic teams to train in Central Queensland.

“Brisbane 2032 will benefit communities, tourism operators, sporting organisations and local businesses right across Queensland, including in my electorate in Central Queensland.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Resources, highlighting Townsville's sporting infrastructure and potential to host Olympic football games and pre-games training.

“If you are not excited by that then take your pulse, because you must be dead! This is going to be bigger than Texas.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member, highlighting the economic and infrastructure benefits for regional Queensland including the Fraser Coast, and praised the governance arrangements.

“With this bill and the setting up of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the games, a golden era of jobs growth and economic stimulus has commenced for our state including for our regions.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As Premier and bill sponsor, presented the bill to establish the Brisbane 2032 organising committee, outlined the government's response to all seven committee recommendations, and emphasised the economic, tourism and infrastructure benefits of the games for all of Queensland.

“The passage of this bill which will facilitate the establishment of an organising committee, referred to as the corporation, and its board is an important first step in delivering on the Queensland government's commitments under the Olympic host contract and laying the foundations to successfully deliver Queensland's 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the bill in his capacity as procurement minister, emphasising that the bill enshrines Queensland's Buy Queensland procurement policy and will ensure local businesses benefit.

“We will make sure that Queenslanders are at the front of the queue for those jobs. We will make sure that Queensland businesses are in pole position for every possible dollar spent building the games legacy.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill, acknowledged bipartisan effort behind the bid, credited former lord mayor Graham Quirk and Ted O'Brien, and called for rail infrastructure to the Sunshine Coast and better small business procurement.

“Successfully bidding to host the games in 2032 is a significant milestone in Queensland's history.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Expressed strong excitement about the games and the opportunities for infrastructure and tourism on the Sunshine Coast, while advocating for heavy rail and key transport projects in the region.

“I too rise to contribute to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021. I declare at the outset that I am incredibly excited about the opportunity that this announcement of the games coming to South-East Queensland, indeed to Queensland, in 2032 means for our state, for my kids and for my future grandkids.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Expressed the opposition's heartfelt support for the games and the bill while raising concerns about the looseness of Right to Information exemptions in clauses 65 and 66, and conflict-of-interest provisions flagged by the CCC. Urged the government to adopt a default position of transparency.

“I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill and, in doing so, express the opposition's heartfelt support for the games and for this bill.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the games but raised concerns about infrastructure cost blowouts, best practice industry conditions adding costs, lack of transparency on right to information exemptions, and called for rail to Maroochydore.

“We want an amazing legacy games that delivers catalytic infrastructure for now and for the future, for all Queenslanders and to grow Queensland businesses, connect Queensland communities and lay a foundation that attracts the real job creators which is the private sector through private investment.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill, focusing on infrastructure benefits for her community including the Centenary Motorway upgrade, and the opportunity to showcase First Nations culture.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to have our First Nations people placed front and centre as we tell the story of Brisbane and Queensland—all 60,000 years of it.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill and used the LNP's own statement of reservation to argue the government was already delivering on infrastructure, workforce skilling, tourism and health goals for the games.

“I cannot believe that I will be able to get on a bus near my house and be at the games in under five minutes.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Spoke enthusiastically about the games transforming Brisbane and Queensland, highlighting infrastructure investments including Cross River Rail, the Gabba redevelopment, Northshore Hamilton athletes village, renewable energy initiatives and the economic benefits including 91,600 jobs.

“If you love Brisbane and Queensland like I do, it is hard not to be incredibly excited about the decade ahead of us.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Spoke passionately about the Olympic spirit and benefits for regional Queensland, recalling the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the inspiration for young people.

“The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is more than just a sporting event. There is that sense of Olympic spirit and national pride, and in 2032 there will be that sense of Queensland identity and Queensland pride that we will show to the whole world.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing the inspirational story of Paralympian Darren Thrupp from her electorate, advocating for regional involvement in the games and tourism opportunities in western Queensland.

“Hosting the 2032 games can be a catalyst for generational benefits which all Queenslanders can enjoy.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Acknowledged the Olympic effort but questioned the impact on regional Queensland, arguing billions would be pumped into the south-east at the expense of rural infrastructure, health and roads.

“The Premier and the government cannot honestly stand in the House with their hands on their hearts and declare that expenditure on the Olympics in the south-east will not affect spending in regional Queensland and that all of Queensland will benefit. I believe this is misleading people in rural and regional Queensland.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill as the first Olympic legislation but expressed disappointment that the Gold Coast, which hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was not given direct board representation despite hosting nine Olympic events. Also raised concerns about the RTI exemptions and the CCC exemption for Commonwealth parliamentarians.

“As the member for Mermaid Beach and a member of the opposition, I support the first piece of legislation that has come in as a result of Brisbane winning the 2032 Olympic Games bid.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Confirmed LNP's bipartisan support for the bill, credited former lord mayor Graham Quirk and the federal Morrison government for driving the bid, and highlighted benefits for regional Queensland.

“We on this side of the House have always supported the Olympics being held here in Queensland.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as Environment Minister, emphasising the commitment to deliver a climate positive games with emissions reductions, renewable energy, and waste reduction targets.

“For the very first time this Olympic Games will be delivered as a climate positive event.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as Minister for Transport and Main Roads, emphasising the transformative infrastructure benefits including Cross River Rail, regional venues and statewide jobs.

“This bill is a very significant bill for a very significant event that will change this state forever in a very good way.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As Minister for Sport, spoke of the games as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity delivering health, wellbeing, tourism and economic benefits across Queensland. Highlighted the 'new norm' IOC rules allowing 84% existing or temporary venues, procurement opportunities for Queensland businesses, and the Queensland Academy of Sport investment.

“2032 is more than a few weeks of sport. It is about using the platform of the world's greatest event to deliver for communities right across Queensland.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting legacy benefits for athletes and families, her daughter's Olympic hockey career, and excitement about sailing events at Manly in her electorate.

“Queensland is poised to deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games that will leave a lasting legacy of infrastructure and also memories for generations to come.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as an LNP member, highlighting the Redlands Coast infrastructure needs including the Eastern Busway and Cleveland line duplication, and criticised government infrastructure cost blowouts.

“It is a natural thing for the LNP opposition to support this bill as so many conservatives at all three levels of government have been highly involved from the beginning of the successful bid.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the idea of the Olympic Games but raised significant concerns about regional Queensland missing out on infrastructure spending, questioned exemptions from conflict of interest requirements, and warned the Olympics would blow a hole in the state budget.

“Regional Queensland is happy for Brisbane to have a big party, but allow us to build the nation-building infrastructure to pay for it and to also pay for our own prosperity in the north.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As shadow minister for Olympic and Paralympic sports, supported the bill and the games with bipartisan enthusiasm. Acknowledged a degree of cynicism in regional Queensland and emphasised the importance of regional engagement. Noted concerns about RTI and conflict of interest provisions raised by the Leader of the Opposition.

“The 2032 Olympic Games being awarded to Brisbane, to bring the greatest show on earth to our city and my home city, is something that excites me greatly.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Gave full bipartisan support, drawing on his project management experience and emphasising the importance of time, quality and cost in infrastructure delivery for the games.

“I make it very clear to the government members that we need to be mature. If we want our city to grow up and be a true world city, we have to start that growing-up process right here.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Continued his contribution advocating for Gold Coast representation on the board, citing the city's experience hosting the Commonwealth Games and its world-class sporting facilities.

“I advocate in the strongest possible terms for a representative from the Gold Coast—our mayor or deputy mayor—to be included on the Olympic Games organising committee because we have a lot to contribute as a city.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill and advocated for the North Ipswich Reserve to be considered as a venue for rectangular field sports at the 2032 games.

“It was a seismic moment in Australian sport when on 21 July 2021 it was announced that Brisbane was confirmed as the host of the third Australian Olympic Games.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As committee chair, spoke in support of the bill, highlighting the committee's unanimous recommendation to pass it. Emphasised Indigenous inclusion through the Reconciliation Action Plan, defended the Right to Information provisions as necessary for working with the IOC, and questioned why the federal government sought a CCC exemption for its parliamentarians.

“I thank the department for the excellent work it did in providing us with information and feedback, and that is why we as a committee very proudly and unanimously recommended that the bill be passed to set this up.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Spoke in support with a regional focus on Mackay's sporting facilities, manufacturing capabilities and tourism potential for the games.

“Regional areas of Queensland, such as mine, are the nurseries for Australia's Olympians and Paralympians.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as small business and training minister, highlighting procurement opportunities for small and Indigenous businesses, and the government's workforce skilling initiatives.

“As the small business minister, I am so excited about the huge opportunities for Queensland small businesses, including our Indigenous small businesses, to be part of this story.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Confirmed the LNP would not oppose the bill and offered bipartisan support, while raising reservations about conflict of interest management and Right to Information exemptions, and advocating for regional investment including fast rail to Toowoomba.

“The LNP will not be opposing this bill and continue to offer bipartisan support for our great state of Queensland hosting the 2032 games.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the Sunshine Coast's role hosting four key venues. Emphasised the need for infrastructure investment including the Sunshine Motorway duplication and heavy rail to Maroochydore. Raised concerns about RTI exemptions, arguing the existing framework already provides sufficient protection for sensitive information.

“The Olympics represents what Queenslanders are all about—aspiration, inspiration and, at the crux of it all, teamwork.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the games but raised concerns about clause 10 on procurement, arguing the host contract exemption could allow the government to avoid buying from Queensland businesses, and criticised BPIC cost blowouts.

“I would like a guarantee that items will be purchased in Queensland and a guarantee that the government will not use as an excuse not to do that a contract that we cannot see, we cannot RTI and that is invisible to us because this government is not transparent and accountable.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill, credited former lord mayor Graham Quirk and the Council of Mayors for initiating the bid, and highlighted the Lockyer Valley's equestrian, swimming and mountain biking facilities for pre-games training.

“When the success of the bid was announced, I was again inspired and excited.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Supported the bill as a crucial procedural step towards hosting the games, congratulated the Premier for her leadership, and highlighted the grassroots excitement among young athletes.

“This bill represents a procedural but very important next step in Queensland delivering the biggest show on earth, the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As a committee member, supported the bill and advocated for Logan to be included on the Olympic map. Criticised the Gold Coast for demanding board representation after only joining the bid in 2020, five years into the process. Highlighted the government's amendment to narrow the CCC exemption for Commonwealth parliamentarians.

“I am a big supporter of the Brisbane 2032 bid, having backed it from the bid stage, because I can see the amazing benefits on offer when hosting the world's largest sporting event.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the bill as agriculture minister, highlighting opportunities for Queensland farmers and producers to showcase their world-class produce to a global audience.

“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland farmers will have a captive audience of billions. What better way to showcase Queensland produce to more markets around the world?”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

As Minister for Sport, delivered the reply speech addressing concerns about RTI provisions, the Crime and Corruption Act exemption for Commonwealth parliamentarians, Gold Coast board representation, and procurement.

“The clear bipartisan support for the bill is testament to the opportunities it represents not only for Brisbane but also for the whole of Queensland over the next 20 years.”— 2021-12-02View Hansard

Expressed support for the bill while urging the government to invest in regional sporting facilities and tourism, calling for a 10-year program to support rural athletes and raising concerns about Right to Information exemptions and conflict of interest provisions.

“This bill represents the starter's pistol for what should be an effort that unites and delights all Queenslanders.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

As a regional member, supported the bill and emphasised the economic impact on regional communities through infrastructure development, supply chain opportunities and cultural exchange. Highlighted the bipartisan solidarity that helped secure the games.

“The effort to secure the games was a testament to all the parties that banded together and showed great tenacity to go and win the rights to host the world's biggest multisport event and bring the games to our shores in 2032.”— 2021-11-30View Hansard

Supported the bill with enthusiasm, noting her Greek heritage and the historical significance of the Olympics, and highlighted the economic benefits, gender diversity requirements for the board, and the Springfield AFLW stadium as a games venue.

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide that progress for our state and I am confident that we will grasp it with both hands.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the games but focused on criticising the government's infrastructure delivery on the Sunshine Coast, advocating for heavy passenger rail over light rail and opposing any relocation of the basketball venue from Maroochydore to the Kawana Sports Precinct.

“We want the heavy passenger rail to the Sunshine Coast not just to stop at Caloundra but to go from Beerwah to Caloundra to Kawana and into Maroochydore.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the opportunities for Ipswich, including tourism, jobs, infrastructure investment and the potential for sporting venues to host Olympic events.

“Hosting the Brisbane 2032 games will be a transformational event that will unlock $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland and create 91,600 full-time-equivalent jobs across the state.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as Minister for Education, highlighting five Olympic venues within her electorate including the RNA Showgrounds, Victoria Park, Ballymore, Albion Park and Brisbane Live, and praised the gender diversity requirements for the board.

“I believe that it is going to be a golden age here in Brisbane and Queensland.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Confirmed bipartisan LNP support for the games and advocated for surfing and cycling events in Currumbin, while raising concerns about the Right to Information exemptions and conflict of interest provisions as corruption risks flagged by the CCC.

“The LNP has, and will continue to, provide bipartisan support for Queensland hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the Springfield Central stadium hosting modern pentathlon, the diversity and inclusion requirements for the board, and the enormous economic and social benefits forecast for the state.

“Hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has never been simply about the weeks of competition. Much more than sporting competitions between the best athletes in the world, the games are an amazing opportunity to showcase Queensland and everything we have to offer.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill, drawing on her professional experience at Cox Architecture in sports venue design, and highlighted venues in her region including the new whitewater centre, the Chandler Sleeman Sports Complex and the Brisbane Royal Yacht Club.

“Like World Expo 88, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will herald a golden age for Queensland over the next decade and beyond.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Confirmed bipartisan LNP support as a former shadow minister for the Commonwealth Games and Olympics, while raising concerns about the Right to Information exemptions and conflict of interest provisions, citing submissions from the Information Commissioner and the CCC.

“If these are to be the people's games, then Queenslanders deserve a bill that displays accountability and transparency.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the excitement among the badminton community in his electorate, encouraging local young athletes to pursue Olympic dreams.

“Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a transformational opportunity for Queensland that will unlock enormous benefits, both social and economic, at a speed and size that our state has never before seen.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the infrastructure and tourism legacy benefits for the Moreton Bay region, including the boxing venue at The Mill at Petrie and transport infrastructure improvements.

“We are on the brink of a new golden age for Queensland and it is a wonderful moment to be part of as a legislator and a member of this place.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but urged caution about exaggerated economic claims, raised concerns about Right to Information exemptions and conflict of interest provisions, and advocated for infrastructure and tourism benefits for the Gympie region.

“The success of the games will be judged not on the two-week event held in 11 years time; it will be judged on the legacy of lasting and meaningful infrastructure.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the Queensland Procurement Policy requirements, the Craigslea Volleyball Centre of Excellence, and the transformative infrastructure legacy including Cross River Rail.

“The 2023 Olympics will be an amazing event in the history of this great state.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill as LNP shadow minister for education, highlighting opportunities for students, while raising concerns about Right to Information exemptions and conflict of interest provisions flagged by the CCC, and calling for better infrastructure in western Brisbane.

“The power, potential and transformational nature for Brisbane from being awarded the honour of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games cannot be overstated.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, emphasising the importance of diversity, inclusion and accessibility in games planning, and the benefits for Cairns and regional Queensland tourism.

“I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for an enduring legacy of what will be a wonderful Brisbane games.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Multicultural Affairs, highlighting the opportunity to showcase Queensland's cultural diversity, and shared the inspiring story of local Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Will Martin.

“It will provide an opportunity to showcase that Queensland is a safe, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can find their place and everyone belongs.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Reaffirmed LNP support for the games but raised concerns about conflict of interest and RTI provisions, and warned lessons must be learned from the 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy shortfalls including the unrealised Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

“While our journey to becoming an Olympic host has just begun, the work on making sure these games leave a lasting positive legacy must start now.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill as Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, emphasising Queensland's strong economic position, the trade and tourism opportunities of the games, and the importance of the organising committee for delivering lasting economic benefits.

“2032 will give our state the profile and confidence to take our place as the preeminent destination in Australia.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the tourism marketing benefits for Cairns and regional Queensland, drawing on his professional experience in international tourism sales during the Sydney Olympics.

“Not only is this the biggest sporting event in the world; it is the biggest marketing and tourism event in the world.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Acknowledged the opportunities of the games but moved amendments to address what she described as the bill fostering corruption, denying public access to information, and excluding community representatives from decision-making. Raised concerns about housing displacement, lack of community consultation, and the impact on East Brisbane State School and Raymond Park.

“There has been zero community consultation, and this bill continues down that path—fostering corruption, denying public access to information, making massive cost blow-outs likely and stacking decision-making bodies against community interests.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the inspirational impact on young athletes, the Deception Bay athletics track project, and the procurement policy ensuring Queensland businesses benefit from the games.

“London, Rio, Tokyo, Paris, LA and Brisbane—I love the sound of that and I will keep on saying it because it sounds so right.”— 2021-12-01View Hansard