New governance for the Commonwealth Games

Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, today announced new measures to ensure the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are delivered on time and for the benefit of Queenslanders, Gold Coast residents, businesses and industry.

Today’s announcement follows the Queensland Audit Office’s 2014 report on Commonwealth Games Progress which found that whilst preparations are progressing, there is no single source of accountability or authority for whole of Games management.

“Addressing issues raised in the Auditor-General’s report has been a priority, that’s why I urgently met with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, and City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate,” Ms Jones said.

“The Games are set to create 30,000 jobs and leave an economic impact of $2 billion but it became clear that all of this was at risk.

“We’ve taken action to improve accountability so Queenslanders and Games partners can have faith that the Games are on track.

“Today’s announcement brings a new level of leadership to Games delivery with the establishment of the Tourism and Commonwealth Games Cabinet Committee.

“The Cabinet Committee will provide strategic direction for the delivery of GC2018 and the Embracing 2018 legacy program to ensure Queensland benefits from the Games,” Ms Jones said.

Under the new arrangements, responsibility for the delivery of every aspect of GC2018, including infrastructure, will rest with the Minister for the Commonwealth Games, who will chair the Cabinet Committee.

To support GOLDOC, a Deputy Director-General’s positon will be created within the new Office of Commonwealth Games Delivery within the Department of Tourism, Major Events and Small Business.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are the best games ever witnessed and that they leave a lasting legacy for Queensland and the Gold Coast.

Emma Smith (Minister Jones’ Office) 0417 405 879