Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has officially amended her ministerial title after she was urged to make a change to be more inclusive.
Ms Palaszczuk was on Monday sworn in as Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games by Queensland Governor Jeannette Young.
She had initially declared herself as Minister for the Olympics in October last year in the months following Brisbane being awarded the 2032 games.
But the Paralympics Australia Athletes’ Commission this September issued an open letter to Ms Palaszczuk calling on her to amend the title.
“We seek your respectful consideration of a change in the title of your portfolio, currently ‘Minister for the Olympic Games’,” the letter said.
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“Given your position as top office bearer in the state hosting and delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games for Brisbane 2032, members request the inclusion of ‘Paralympic’ in your title to reflect the importance of both events for Brisbane 2032.”
Ms Palaszczuk agreed to make the change in response to the public plea, declaring she was determined to ensure Brisbane 2032 is an inclusive games
“I was also a previous minister for disabilities as well. I want to make these games as inclusive as possible, so very happy to do that,” she said in September.
But the Premier faced criticism from the opposition for only making the decision once it became a media issue.
Ms Palaszczuk on Monday said amending her title gave the Paralympics the recognition it deserves.
“Being Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games gives the recognition the Paralympic Games deserves,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing to work together on this once-in-lifetime opportunity for Queensland and Australia.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles was on Monday sworn in as Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure.
Source: Sky News
