Queensland is a step closer to hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enter into exclusive negotiations for the event.
Chair of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), Josephine Sukkar said the ASC welcomed the recommendation from the IOC that South-East Queensland was the preferred bid candidate for the Games.
“It does not confirm South East Queensland as host for the 2032 Games, but it is an important step as the IOC has announced it is advancing to ‘targeted dialogue’ with the Brisbane 2032 Committee because of its ‘very advanced Games concept ’,” Ms Sukkar said.
“This is an announcement that makes the possibility of a home Games more accessible and real,” she said.
Ms Sukkar said hosting the Games would also be a driver for increased sport participation.
“A home Games can also show the wonderful power of sport to influence lives and communities far beyond the competitive arena,” she said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s support to host the Olympic Games for the third time, and Paralympic Games for the second time.
“[The] announcement from the IOC is a positive development but we still have a lot of work to do,” Mr Morrison said.
“We saw how Sydney 2000 brought our nation together and took Australian sport to a new level, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do again if we’re successful in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games again in 2032,” he said.
