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Australian Rugby League Commissioner, Tech Council of Australia board director and former Queensland Government Minister Hon Kate Jones has been appointed Vice President of Paralympics Australia, bringing expertise across sport, government and technology to the leadership role.
The appointment of Ms Jones, who has been a board director since 2022, builds on the leadership strength at Paralympics Australia after Grant Mizens was appointed President in June.
“It’s a great privilege to be able to contribute to the strategic direction of Paralympics Australia and the growth of the Paralympic Movement as Vice President,” Ms Jones said.
“As a proud Queenslander it is also an exciting time as Paralympics Australia secures new partnerships and works with all levels of government to ensure we host the best Olympic and Paralympic Games ever, in my home city of Brisbane.
“I look forward to working closely with Grant and the rest of the board to build support and investment for our Australian Para-athletes and teams and better pathways for emerging sporting talent as part of a more equitable national sport system.”
Mr Mizens said he was looking forward to working with Ms Jones in her new leadership role as the organisation prepares for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and for LA in August 2028.
We are fortunate to have Kate commit to playing a senior role on the board of Paralympics Australia,” Mr Mizens said.
“Kate’s breadth of expertise, including her experience in government and understanding of the national sporting landscape, makes her an extremely valuable addition as Vice President.
“Of course, she is a Queenslander which is critical for Paralympics Australia as we build towards Brisbane 2032.”
Ms Jones’ elevation comes as Rebecca Frizelle announced her tenure on the board of Paralympics Australia would end following her appointment as an independent director on the board of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
Mr Mizens thanked Ms Frizelle for her outstanding contribution to Paralympics Australia since she joined the board in September 2020.
“Rebecca’s work has included chairing our People and Culture Committee and she also played a key role on our Commercial Committee, bringing together her brilliant skills as a successful businessperson and a leader in sport and academia,” the President said.
“We’re grateful to Rebecca for her investing her time and effort in the Australian Paralympic Movement throughout a period of significant growth and progress.”
Ms Frizelle joins the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee as a director alongside others including Mr Mizens, Paralympic legend Kurt Fearnley and Australia’s International Paralympic Committee board member Robyn Smith on the body to oversee Games planning and delivery.
“We’re thrilled that Rebecca has been appointed to Brisbane 2032, where we know she will make an enormously valuable impact,” Mr Mizens said.
“Her knowledge, experience and her love of Para-sport and our amazing athletes will be a great asset for Brisbane 2032 when delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We will now undertake an appropriate review of the skills required on the board as we move forward and ensure stable succession is achieved.”
Ms Jones stepped down from Queensland Parliament in 2020 and now works in leadership positions in the sport and tech industries. She was a Minister in the Queensland Government for more than eight years across portfolios including Education, State Development, Tourism and Major Events, and was the Minister for the Commonwealth Games delivering the successful Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Published: 3 August 2025
