<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/19/queensland-to-repeal-diversity-quotas-for-brisbane-olympics-board>
"The Queensland government plans to repeal a requirement that half the board
overseeing the organising of the Brisbane Olympics be women and at least one
member Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The change to the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG) board is
contained in an obscure clause in broad-ranging legislation sponsored by the
deputy premier, Jarrod Bleijie, in May. It is not mentioned in either its
explanatory speech or explanatory notes.
According to a written briefing by the Department of State Development,
Infrastructure and Planning, made during consideration by a parliamentary
committee, the bill would “enhance efficiency and effectiveness” by “removing
certain requirements for the appointment of OCOG board directors”.
That includes “that 50% of nominated directors be women” and “that at least one
of the independent directors is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander”.
The bill has yet to pass parliament but is certain to do so if all government
members vote for it.
Renee Carr, the executive director of Fair Agenda, said “women should be an
equal part of making the critical decisions that shape its legacy”.
“There’s been important progress in recognising women’s contribution to sport –
as athletes, coaches, and in leadership. We should be leaning into what’s
possible, not going backwards,” she said.
“Hosting an event of this scale will impact Queensland’s economy,
infrastructure and tourism. Women’s voices and expertise must be an equal part
of planning a games that delivers for the whole community.”
The executive director of QUT’s Carumba Institute, Prof Chelsea Watego, said
the plan to remove the requirement was an “appalling decision”.
She said the Sydney Olympics was able to make decisions with a board that
included an Indigenous representative, Lowitja O’Donoghue, so there was no case
that excluding them would make it more efficient.
“It just tells you how far backwards Queensland has gone under an LNP
government,” she said."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
