The Queensland Greens have called for a new permanent Games Day public holiday celebrating the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The proposal is the first part of the Greens’ Olympics for the People Campaign, and was announced at their Summit launching that campaign held today at South Bank in Brisbane.
Michael Berkman, Greens MP for Maiwar and Olympics spokesperson said:
“The Olympics are pushing up house prices and rents which is great for big corporations and the real estate lobby, but does nothing for regular people.
“LNP and Labor are spending $10 billion on the Olympics, but without creating a single new public home, or any new public transport.
“We’re calling for an Olympics that delivers a positive legacy for everyday Queenslanders.
“An Olympics for the people starts with a new public holiday, and ultimately includes public housing, public transport and public space.
“Queenslanders are pressed for time, earning less and paying more for the basics. On top of that, more of us are isolated and missing out on time with friends and family.
Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Australian Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:
“Games Day means time for the good stuff: a kick around at the park, a day at the big match, even a board game session with your mates.
“This plan is just the start. Today at the Greens’ Olympics summit we’ll hear from local residents and experts on getting a better deal for affordable housing, public transport and greening the city.
“This is the first announcement in our campaign for an Olympics for the people, not big corporations and the real estate lobby.”
About Games Day:
- Games Day would be the second-last Friday in July, beginning on Friday 23 July 2027 and continuing beyond 2032.
- That means most locals would get the day off work to watch the Brisbane Games Opening Ceremony on Friday 23 July 2032.