Dinner with Leaders of the International Olympic Committee

Premier and Minister for Veterans, the Honourable David Crisafulli MP and Mrs Tegan Crisafulli; Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP; Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Honourable Tim Mander MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Deputy Mayor Councillor Fiona Cunningham; International Olympic Committee President Mr Thomas Bach and President-elect Mrs Kirsty Coventry; Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Dr Andrew Liveris AO and Mrs Paula Liveris; Chair of the IOC Brisbane 2032 Coordination Committee, Mrs Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski; IOC Director Mr Christophe Dubi; Australian Olympic Committee President and IOC Member, Mr Ian Chesterman AM; Honorary member of the IOC and former President of the AOC, Mr John Coates AC and Mrs Orieta Coates; my Official Secretary, Ms Yolande Yorke, good evening all.  

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

This evening, Graeme and I are honoured to welcome our distinguished guests from the International Olympic Committee to Government House, and to our beautiful city, capital of the state of Queensland.

I am sure all around this table would agree, this opportunity to thank the current IOC President, Mr Thomas Bach for his enormous contribution, and welcome President-Elect, Mrs Kirsty Coventry, is one that we find particularly gratifying, because it enables us to express our deepest appreciation for all you do to further the charter of the Olympic Movement worldwide.

In just over 7 years’ time, our incredible state will host the world’s largest sporting event—Brisbane 2032—which will be a spectacular celebration of the outstanding abilities of athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees across the globe.

This rare and precious occasion—when the nations of the world come together—is one that encourages a deep sense of comradery, driven by a shared admiration for the inspirational feats that humans can achieve, when they demonstrate dedication, commitment and the ambition to constantly seek betterment.

Of course, the positive influence of the Olympics extends far beyond sport itself—with the valuable, rich cultural exchanges and educational experiences it brings, encouraging greater understanding between us all.

The excitement in Queensland is building, and as the world’s attention turns to us, it will give Queenslanders — whom I represent as Governor — an extraordinary chance to showcase the unique attributes and qualities that make our vast, diverse and spectacular state, and its modern, subtropical capital city, so special.

Only today, Graeme and I returned from a Vice-Regal visit to Central Western Queensland, including the amazing outback localities of Richmond, Longreach and Winton — towns more than 1,000 kilometres from Brisbane. In many parts of the world, flying such a distance would see you cross several national borders. But in Queensland, you can fly for hours and still be in the same state — a vast and varied place bound together by a remarkable sense of cohesion and pride.

I am so pleased that regional, sports-loving communities such as these will also share in the exposure and enhancements the Olympic Games will bring. The legacy being built now will not just strengthen Queensland as it continues to grow, but will also augment the values, philosophy and goals of the Olympic Movement itself, and we are so proud to be part of an event that contributes to a more peaceful, respectful and inclusive world.

Taking leadership of such a mammoth sporting event demands a very specific set of skills — and an immense amount of courage. But as former Olympians and gold medallists, both the IOC President and President-elect are people who take on challenges with determination.

I would like to acknowledge Mr Bach’s remarkable contribution to the IOC, over many years, including his impressive 12 years as President, and wish him well in his future endeavours.

And I congratulate Mrs Coventry, whose election as 10^th President has already broken records—she being the first African and the first woman to reach the world’s top sports position—on an Olympic journey that began in Sydney in 2000, and now, we are so pleased, brings her to our city.

Thank you all for joining us this evening.