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Paralympics Australia President Jock O’Callaghan has welcomed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s addition of ‘Paralympics’ to her official title regarding the Games in Brisbane in 2032.
Mr O’Callaghan said the Premier’s title change to Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games was important to reflect the chance both Games provide for all Australians to feel included and valued.
“I warmly thank the Premier for acting swiftly to fulfill her commitment to make this change,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
“This was an issue of great importance to the more than 1100 Paralympians who have represented Australia since the first Paralympics in 1960 and also to the many youngsters aspiring to represent the nation at the Paralympic Games in 2032.
“Inclusion and equity are central principles of our Movement. We believe it’s fair that people with a disability who play sport, from grassroots to the elite level, are afforded the same level of respect and value as any others.
“We want the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics to each be a great success for Queensland and Australia and we look forward to continuing to work together to capitalise on the many opportunities on offer on the Green and Gold Runway to 2032.”
Deputy Premier @StevenJMiles and I are now sworn in as Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure. @QldGovernor #qldpol pic.twitter.com/bo8z8PngRj
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@a_palaszczuk) December 12, 2022
Mr O’Callaghan also praised the Paralympians who engaged Ms Palaszczuk to explain the significance of changing her title, especially Paralympics Australia Athlete Commission Chair Sarah Stewart and Vice-Chair Danni Di Toro, who wrote to the Premier in September. In response, Ms Palaszczuk vowed to have her title officially changed before the end of the year.
“I’m proud that our Paralympians were forthright and constructive in conveying their case to the Premier,” he said.
“I’d particularly like to thank the Paralympics Australia Athlete Commission for its leadership in this instance.”
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 12 December 2022
