Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has voiced strong criticism regarding the planning for the upcoming Brisbane Olympics in 2032. Her concerns arose after reports revealed an estimated $3.5 billion required for constructing Olympic villages, contrasting sharply with the previous government’s allocation of just $155 million. Palaszczuk, who was instrumental in securing the Olympics during her tenure, expressed her shock at the current situation, stating, “When I left, we had a plan.” She highlighted that tenders for the Gabba should already be progressing, indicating a breakdown in adherence to the original plan approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Palaszczuk lamented that a collaborative effort with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had previously established a clear funding agreement, which seems to have been undermined. Furthermore, she challenged the proposal to develop Victoria Park into a sporting precinct, stressing the area’s significance as a green space and its lack of public transport accessibility.
She called for unity among stakeholders, asserting, “The time for fighting is over,” and emphasising the necessity for all parties to come together to ensure the Olympics are a source of national pride.