Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Even in these strange times, there is one thing we can be absolutely certain of, and that is that Brisbane and South-East Queensland would be the perfect choice to host the 2032 Olympics. Those of us who are old enough have happy memories of Matilda the kangaroo, with that wink, emerging into the stadium at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, which is still thought of as one of the best ever Commonwealth Games. Of course, there is strong competition for that title from the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast. What that adds up to is emphatic proof that Queensland is perfectly placed to handle the even bigger undertaking that is the Olympics.

It will be good for Queensland and good for Australia. It will create jobs and the acceleration of infrastructure development. It will provide a boost to trade, tourism and our economy. I know the difference that the 2000 Olympics made to Sydney, and of course Melbourne hosted our first ever games in 1956. Just as the world came to Sydney at the beginning of this century, it will hopefully and rightly come to Queensland. It would be magical. Can I make a suggestion to Premier Palaszczuk: get on the phone to Roy and HG and lock them in, because that would make it absolutely perfect, and bring back the wombat.

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