The Queensland Government today formalised the Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office, which is set to coordinate delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the coordination body represents nine months of discussion with all Games partners on the best and most efficient way of delivering the best Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
“It cuts red tape while, at the same time, provides input from all of our Games partners,” the Premier said.
“Teamwork won us these Games. Teamwork will help us deliver them.”
The new Office will work in agreement with Games partners including:
- The Commonwealth Government
- Queensland Government
- Brisbane City Council
- Gold Coast Council
- Sunshine Coast Council
- SEQ Council of Mayors
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG)
- Australian Olympic Committee and
- Paralympics Australia
An independent report prepared by Deloitte recommended establishment of a Brisbane 2032 Coordination Office.
Deloitte studied arrangements for the London and Sydney games and recommended a fit-for-purpose approach for Brisbane.
Key differences for Brisbane include:
- 84% of venues already exist;
- No major infrastructure being built solely for the Games; and
- Assets remaining in public ownership.
IOC Vice-President, John Coates AC says the model makes “eminent sense”.
“The IOC has been discussing the governance model with Brisbane 2032. The IOC continues to explore savings and efficiencies to our Games delivery model,” said Mr Coates.
“This is for the benefit of all future Games organizers, including Brisbane 2032.
“The last thing we should be doing is adding layers of bureaucracy. Pleasingly this model does not.”
Unlike a delivery authority model, the Coordination Office is accountable to the Parliament.
The Deloitte recommendation recognises the State Government’s existing expertise in delivering infrastructure and recommends the Coordination Office for its ability to cut red tape and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic double-up and costs.
The Deloitte report stated: “The model leverages existing capability and legislative powers within agencies.
“There is a high level of goodwill and willingness to cooperate among Games Delivery Partners which good governance will facilitate…”
The Coordination Office will oversee many aspects of the games including infrastructure, but also First Nations, environment, legacy, and security.
The Office will headed by the Director-General of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Graham Fraine. Mr Fraine has held a number of senior roles in the government including former Deputy Under-Treasurer.
Underpinning the coordinating body, is the Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Office, which will design and deliver the key venues, villages, and transport infrastructure.
“The Queensland Government will lead venue and infrastructure delivery and has subsequently led the design of the governance model,” said President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Andrew Liveris.
“We are pleased the final governance framework will be directed by a Leadership Forum, which includes the Organising Committee, Queensland and Australian Governments and other Games Delivery Partners so that key decision-makers are at the table.
“We will continue to work with all Games Delivery Partners to ensure venues and infrastructure are delivered in line with our commitments to the IOC and to the long-term best interests of the local communities.”
A Leader’s Forum which includes Federal, State and Council representatives will work in tandem with the Brisbane 2032Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG).
The structure will be reviewed after two years to ensure it continues to be the best model in the lead up to 2032, the Government confirmed.
