The federal sports minister has acknowledged tension over who will foot the bill for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games amid fears of a budget blowout.
Anika Wells said the federal government would not be riding to Queensland’s rescue, with its contribution remaining firmly capped.
“We don’t just have a gentlemen’s agreement,” she told attendees at a Queensland Press Club event in Brisbane.
“We have an intergovernmental agreement that both sides of government signed, where the federal contribution is $3.43 billion.”
The total infrastructure budget for the Games is $7.1 billion, shared between Queensland and the federal government.
Minister Wells also said she disagreed with the state Liberal National Party government’s decision to build its controversial stadium at Victoria Park, having preferred a redevelopment of the Gabba as Brisbane Arena.
But she said the federal and state governments remained committed to working together to deliver the Games.
“That’s not the decision that the current Queensland government took, and that’s fine, we work with them and that’s their prerogative,” she said.
“But ultimately, it is the Queensland government that underwrites these Games.
“I’m here if you need support, but those are the formal agreements that we each entered into.”
She said that speculating about whether or not infrastructure projects would be completed in time for the Games – including Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the controversial Rowing Flatwater Facility in Rockhampton – was unhelpful to athletes.
“We are all shoulders to the wheel on getting this done, and the Brisbane Stadium will be an incredible venue for all of us to enjoy when it happens,” she said.
Minister Wells drew applause when she publicly through her weight behind netball’s elevation to Olympic status at the Games.
“Netball is quintessentially Australian and the leading team sport for women and girls,” she said.
While acknowledging that the sporting program was a decision for the International Olympic Committee, she said the sport connected communities and created leaders.
“This is about backing the biggest female sport in Australia,” she said.
Minister Wells said the Albanese government had more than doubled previous funding to Paralympic athletes, with more than $100 million committed since 2024.
She announced that a further 144 athletes from 22 Paralympic sports would be supported in the next round of Para Athlete Barrier funding, sharing in more than $427,000.
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