UPDATE: Former Brisbane 2032 Olympic Organising Committee board member Shelley Reys has just confirmed her refusal to join a newly established First Nations advisory group, emphasizing that this move does not compensate for the absence of Indigenous representation on the main board. “I have declined the invitation to be involved in the First Nations advisory body,” Reys stated. Her decision highlights a critical gap in Indigenous voices at the highest decision-making levels of the upcoming 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
The recent amendments to the governing legislation of the Brisbane Olympics, passed last month, stripped the requirement for at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander member on the board. This shift was part of a broader effort to streamline decision-making, which also eliminated the mandate for women to constitute at least 50 percent of board members. The total number of board members has now been reduced from 24 to 15.
As it stands, the new board comprises six men and nine women, a notable change from previous requirements aimed at enhancing diversity. Among the re-nominated members is former world No.1 golfer Greg Norman, who returns to the board after a reduction in member nominations by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Norman was selected over fellow nominee and Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells.
In an official document acquired through a Freedom of Information request, the federal government set a deadline of June 30 for submissions of additional nominations from Queensland, underscoring the necessity of having a “strong voice on the Board to guide decision-making.” Despite this, no extra nominations were received. However, two original representatives, Norman and businesswoman Rebecca Frizelle, have been re-nominated as “independent directors” by Queensland Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander.
Reys’s rejection of the advisory position reflects a significant concern regarding the diminishing role of Indigenous perspectives in the planning and execution of a pivotal event for the region. “Now that First Nations representation has been removed from the board, the creation of an advisory body is a good alternative, but nothing replaces the role and powers of a board member,” she noted, emphasizing the need for authentic representation.
This ongoing situation raises critical questions about inclusivity and representation in major international events, with immediate implications for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. As developments continue to unfold, the spotlight remains on how the organizing committee will address the absence of Indigenous voices at the decision-making table.
What’s next? Stakeholders and community leaders are likely to push for reinstated Indigenous representation as the 2032 Olympics approaches. The conversation around diversity and inclusion in sports governance is set to intensify, and the response from both the government and the organizing committee will be closely monitored.
