Powerbrokers cut as 2032 Olympics committee streamlined

Perth Now

6 days ago

Powerbrokers and Olympians are among 10 people cut from Brisbane's Olympic Games organising committee in a dramatic bid to streamline operations.
The changes follow recommendations from the 100 Day Review Report to streamline the committee to improve governance and efficiency.
Westfarmers chief Rob Scott and former Olympians Tracy Stockwell, Natalie Cook and Patrick Johnson were among 10 people booted from the committee.
Golf champion Greg Norman and business leader Rebecca Frizelle survived the dramatic cuts and will remain as the two independent directors after the 24-person committee was slashed to 15.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli is the only new member, replacing Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding.
Andrew Liveris AO will serve as president with politicians Tim Mander and Anika Wells as vice presidents.
Four new advisory groups - First Nations, Athlete's and Sport, Councils and Commercial - will also be established to provide advice.
They will be led by Patrick Johnson, Susie O'Neill, Mr Liveris and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schinner, respectively.
Former federal sports minister Mark Arbib, who was appointed as the Australian Olympic Committee's new chief executive in April - also missed out on a spot in the committee.
Mr Mander said the streamlined board was a key step in strengthening governance and allowed Games-related decisions to be made efficiently.
"We are getting on with the job of delivering a winning legacy for Queensland and the Games Queenslanders deserve," Mr Mander said.
"The changes made to the board are sensible and practical to shape good governance and make for a truly spectacular Games for which all of Queensland can be proud.
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris echoed Mr Mander's comments, saying the advisory groups had been set in place to support the board and provide critical advice to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
"There has been a significant shift in momentum as we reach the seven years to go milestone before our Games and we are now moving to a phase of streamlined decision making and delivery," Mr Liveris said.
The government says it will deliver a successful Games after what it describes as "1200 days of Olympics chaos and crisis" under the previous administration, focusing on a lasting legacy for Queensland.
Premier David Crisafulli, who won government in October 2024, revealed the Olympic infrastructure blueprint for the games in March, after growing speculation organisers were running out of time.
A new 63,000-seat main stadium at the inner city Victoria Park is the centrepiece of a plan delivered almost four years after Brisbane was named host city.
The long wait had prompted questions for Mr Liveris from the International Olympic Committee at a meeting in Greece.
The Olympic body urged Mr Liveris to confirm the venue plan "the sooner the better".
BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPIC GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE:
- International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission Member, Jessica Fox OAM OLY
- International Olympic Committee Member and Australian Olympic Committee President, Ian Chesterman AM
- International Paralympic Committee Governing Board Member, Robyn Smith OAM
- Australian Olympic Committee Honorary Life President John Coates AC
- Australian Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission Member, Georgia Baker OLY
- Paralympics Australia President Grant Mizens OAM PLY
- Paralympics Australia Athletes' Representative, Kurt Fearnley OAM PLY
- Brisbane Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner
- City of Gold Coast Mayor, Cr Tom Tate
- Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Cr Rosanna Natoli
- Queensland golf legend and independent director, Greg Norman AO
- Gold Coast business owner and independent director, Rebecca Frizelle OAM
(Source: Queensland government)