Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has distanced himself from his pre-election pledge that there would be no new stadium for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics under his government.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has distanced himself from his pre-election pledge that there would be no new stadium for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics under his government.
By Marissa Calligeros
February 17, 2025 — 12.17pm
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has distanced himself from his pre-election pledge that there would be no new stadium built for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics under his government.
Last March, the then-opposition leader was emphatic: “There can’t be new stadiums because that’s not what Queenslanders signed up to,” he said.
He went on to say: “If you’re asking me whether or not I support a new stadium, the answer is ‘No’.”
He tempered his position after he was elected premier and his new LNP government set the terms of reference for a 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure in November.
The scope of the review included “new, upgraded and temporary venues”.
Asked to explain why the word “new” was included in the terms of reference, Crisafulli said: “It needs to be about generational infrastructure, it’s not about new stadiums.”
The seven-member review committee, headed by property industry executive Stephen Conry, is due to deliver its recommendations in a matter of weeks, on March 8.
But in an interview with the ABC at the weekend, Crisafulli would not guarantee that no new stadium would be built.
Advertisement
“The review needs to be done free from political interference. They should have the right to be able to do that. They know my view and what I’ve said – I don’t think money should be spent on new stadiums,” he said.
On Monday morning, he denied he had walked away from his original pledge.
At a press conference outside Sunnybank State School, the premier was asked: “Does the ‘no new stadiums’ promise still stand?”
“Well, my position is exactly the same as it was before,” he replied.
“My focus is not on new stadiums.
Loading
“I want to see a generational plan for this state.”
Brisbane 2032’s 11-year head start has whittled down to seven, and it is not yet known where the city’s main Olympic stadium will be, with the rebuilding of the Gabba or a new stadium at Victoria Park on the table, among other venue proposals.
“There is a quantum of money that has been allocated, and I think it’s important that we respect taxpayers’ money and it’s important that we make it about generational infrastructure,” Crisafulli said.
“I don’t want the focus to be on new stadiums.”
Last month, former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Olympic review committee had “already decided” to build a new stadium at Victoria Park.
Palaszczuk said she was shocked, annoyed and “quite sad” that the Games preparations had become a “huge fight over stadiums” and a “political football”.
Former premier Steven Miles faced heavy criticism for his decision to refurbish the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre [QSAC] in Nathan after rejecting the pitch for a new $3.4 billion Olympic stadium at Victoria Park.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Marissa Calligeros is a journalist at Brisbane Times. She was previously an editor at The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.
Loading