Senate debates

Thursday, 24 June 2021

Questions without Notice

Queensland Olympic and Paralympic Games

2:58 pm

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister for Sport, Senator Colbeck. Can the minister please advise the Senate what the current status is of South-East Queensland's bid for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics?

2:59 pm

Photo of Richard ColbeckRichard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | | Hansard source

I thank Senator Scarr for the question. South-East Queensland's exciting bid for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics has received the bell for the final lap and the finishing line is very much in sight. An Olympics has the potential to be a game changer for Queensland, and the government remains committed to supporting Queensland's candidature. Bringing the games to Australia in 2032 would provide a unique opportunity to inspire all Australians to get engaged and active in sport.

The Australian government, the Queensland government, the Council of Mayors South East Queensland and the Australian Olympic Committee have worked very cooperatively in developing a comprehensive bid submission to the IOC's Future Host Commission. This included a virtual tour of South-East Queensland earlier last month. I'm thrilled to say that on 10 June the International Olympic Committee executive board agreed to propose Brisbane as the host for the 2032 games to the IOC membership. This is the final stage of candidature, but it does not mean that Brisbane has secured the 2032 games. On 20 and 21 July, at the 138th IOC session held in Tokyo, IOC members will receive a final presentation on the proposed bid for the 2032 games. Members will then vote on whether Brisbane is the host for the 2032 games.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a supplementary question?

3:00 pm

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

How will the 2032 games benefit South-East Queensland and Australia?

Photo of Richard ColbeckRichard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | | Hansard source

Of course, the Olympics and Paralympics are an exciting major sporting event displaying the world's best athletes. They also bring major social and economic benefits. An assessment by KPMG commissioned by the Queensland government shows that the 2032 games will deliver a total benefit of $8.1 billion for Queensland and $17.61 billion for Australia. The report found the 2032 games will create 91,600 full-time-equivalent job years for Queensland and 122,900 job years nationally. The report notes significant quantifiable social benefits derived from the 2032 games, including health community benefits.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a final supplementary question?

3:01 pm

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

How is the Morrison-Joyce government supporting the 2032 games bid?

3:02 pm

Photo of Richard ColbeckRichard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | | Hansard source

The Morrison-Joyce government is strongly supporting the 2032 games bid. A national partnership agreement between the Commonwealth and the Queensland government, which provides up to $10 million to support the bid process, has been signed. As part of the bid process, the Commonwealth has provided a number of guarantees in areas such as security, immigration and taxation that are vital to the successful operation of such a major international event. And the Prime Minister has committed to funding required for crucial games infrastructure, with funding to be provided on a 50-50 basis with the Queensland government. These infrastructure investments will, of course, cater for the '32 bid for the games, but it's the long-term use of these facilities for local communities and sporting organisations that is at the forefront of our planning.

Photo of Simon BirminghamSimon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | | Hansard source

I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.