Latest news with #LiberalNational
West Australian
7 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Paralympics boss positive about Brisbane 2032 progress
Brisbane is on the right track for the 2032 Paralympics but the new venues must consider accessibility first, the international boss says. During a short two-day trip to Brisbane, International Paralympics Committee President Andrew Parsons was favourable of the progress the city is making towards the 2032 deadline. "We are very happy where we are in the preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Games," Mr Parsons told reporters. The Games have been shrouded in controversy as the city had an unprecedented runway to decide on a venue plan after being elected the host almost four years ago. But with several false starts and changed venue plans, the final 2032 infrastructure plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. Mr Parsons was positive despite the debate around the Games, calling it the "opportunity of a lifetime" to change Australia and Queensland. "'I'm absolutely convinced that this is the place to be in 2032," he said. He praised the Queensland Liberal National government's 100-day review that delivered on the "long-term needs for infrastructure to benefit the people of Queensland" The state government's plan includes inner-city Victoria Park becoming the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Brisbane and Australia are already ahead of the curve in terms of accessibility but there's always more that can be done until venues are 100 per cent disability friendly, Mr Parsons said. "Now that venues are announced (we need) to make sure that we have the right planning in front of us," Mr Parsons told reporters. "... we just passed a very important milestone, and now it's how we work with the organising committee and the levels of government." But Mr Parsons was firm the blueprint for the new stadium and any other infrastructure must have accessibility in mind, first and foremost. He said any existing infrastructure must be checked over to ensure it is also accessible. Progress is expected to begin after the state government earlier in May introduced a bill to ensure 2032 Olympic sites would be exempt from planning laws as officials race to get the venues built in time. Not all plans are finalised as the state government seeks the $2.5 billion the federal government set aside for a now-scrapped 2032 project, Brisbane Arena, be reallocated to fund other Olympic venues. The private sector is instead expected to help foot the bill for the indoor stadium project now called Brisbane Live Arena, set to host Olympic swimming. But Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris isn't worried as it is unlikely it would be finished by the Games, nor would it be needed. "If it's ready before 2032, we're going to be looking very strongly at it as a venue. But we don't count on that," he told reporters. "So we don't need it. But if it's there, we'll use it." On the issue of funding, Mr Liveris said to give the federal government a chance to land on the right agreement, given the election was only several weeks ago.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Worker shortage threatens venue deadline for 2032 Games
The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach. The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach. The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Worker shortage threatens venue deadline for 2032 Games
The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Worker shortage threatens venue deadline for 2032 Games
The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Controversial second wave of ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time' laws pass adding attempted murder and rape
Children as young as 10 will face adult jail time for a new range of offences after a state government passed its second tranche of controversial youth crime laws. The 'adult crime, adult time' laws now include 20 more offences after passing through during a late-night sitting in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday. Young offenders can now face lengthy adult sentences for attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, torture and kidnapping. 'It is a significant day,' Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said. It is the second wave of the laws that were central to the Liberal National government 's pitch to voters at the 2024 election. The first wave passed before Christmas despite outrage from youth advocates due to the lack of consultation, ensuring children as young as 10 would face life sentences for murder, manslaughter and adult jail time for offences such as grievous bodily harm. The expansion of 'adult crime, adult time' came in the wake of several serious crimes, including a teenager who was charged with attempted murder over an alleged stabbing attack on a supermarket worker in Ipswich. But there has been long-running criticism from the United Nations and local human rights groups condemning Queensland's laws as causing undue suffering to children. 'We are extremely concerned that present approaches are creating a future underclass of Australians,' United Nations special rapporteurs Alice Jill Edwards and Albert K Barume said. However, the criticism has fallen on deaf ears with Queensland's premier. 'Here's my message to the United Nations: you don't control me and I don't answer you, I answer to Queenslanders,' Premier David Crisafulli said. 'We make laws to deal with one of the biggest issues the state has ever faced, and it's a generation of repeat, hardcore young offenders who were created by weak laws.' This second wave of laws is not expected to be the last as the state continues to consult an expert legal panel for any further necessary changes. 'This will not be the last round of changes there will be more to come,' Crisafulli said. 'Every change we make will be about strengthening the laws, not weakening them.' The government has previously been criticised for refusing to release the expert legal panel advice on the law changes and has again ruled out publishing the information for the time being. 'I made a commitment that we would allow them to provide advice free from political interference and we would enable them to continue to do that while they had work to do,' Crisafulli said. 'I think that's reasonable.'
