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he upcoming decision on the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is drawing closer as Australia prepares to send representatives from federal, state, and local Government to Tokyo for the announcement.
With the decision under two weeks away ahead of the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended her travel to Tokyo as part of the delegation despite public backlash.
Palaszczuk’s comments come after a petition, which received over 28,000 signatures, called for her to be denied exemption to travel to Tokyo as she would need to quarantine in a hotel after she announced last week a reduction in the number of overseas arrivals into Queensland by 50%.
According to Palaszczuk, Australian Olympic Commission (AOC) head, John Coates, claimed “it would be a disaster if the head of Queensland did not go.”
“It is basically to go there, to make the pitch, to come back and then spend 14 days in hotel quarantine,” Palaszczuk said.
“I think it is very important that we have that really strong representation of federal, state, and local [government] because even Thomas Bach, the head of the [International] Olympic Committee (IOC), has said the strongest thing going for our bid is the enormous cooperation of all three levels of government.
“Just over two weeks’ time (she said on Tuesday), we are going to learn whether or not Queensland, Brisbane, will be awarded the 2032 Olympics…
“We’re never going to get that opportunity again.
“And I’d hate to see it fall at the final hurdle,” she said.
Palaszczuk will be joined in Tokyo for the decision by Australian Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, and Brisbane lord mayor, Adrian Schrinner, who will all be required to quarantine in hotels on their return to Australia.
Speaking ahead of the journey, Minister Colbeck said: “This is an exciting time for Australian sport, securing the 2032 Games for Brisbane and Queensland will ensure Australia’s momentum as a host of international sporting events is maintained for years to come.”
“We know what this means for sport fans and our aspiring athletes but economically it represents a boost to the tune of billions of dollars and will provide a framework to help the Sunshine State, and the rest of Australia, as we navigate our way out of the pandemic.
“The economic and social benefits is estimated at around $8.1 billion for Queensland and $17.6 billion for Australia.
“The 2032 Games are projected to create some 120,000 jobs for Australia, including 90,000 jobs for Queensland.
“The successful bid will also reinforce the work that has been achieved so far by all bid partners and highlights what can be achieved when all levels of government work together and provide an aspirational target for a generation of young Australians watching the 2020 Games,” he said.
