The Queensland government is pushing forward with its Olympic stadium plans after significant delays, but a controversial decision has emerged: the state has scrapped a proposed First Nations cultural centre after sinking $3 million into a detailed business case that endorsed the project. This move comes as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, raising questions about the government's commitment to Indigenous representation.
Buried Report and Political Timing
A confidential report, which praised a proposal to transform Brisbane's South Bank Piazza into a First Nations Cultural Centre, has been buried by the Crisafulli Government. Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed during NAIDOC Week in July 2025 that the centre, in development since 2018, would not proceed. However, documents obtained by the Courier Mail this week have cast doubt on this decision, revealing that the business case highlighted the centre as a chance to reframe the government's relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and attract tourists.
Details of the Proposed Centre
The planned 15,000-square-metre 'Queensland First Nations Cultural Centre' was designed to showcase Indigenous history, stories, art, and culture, with an estimated annual draw of 435,000 visitors. It would have been completed in time for the 2032 Games, serving as a destination for international tourists to learn about Australia's Indigenous peoples. The business case, requested by the former Labor government, was initially completed in August 2024 but was delayed until May 2025 due to changes addressing stakeholder feedback—timing that coincided with David Crisafulli's LNP winning the state election.
The $3 million cost of the case was split evenly between the state and federal governments and Brisbane City Council, in addition to $2 million spent on a preliminary business case five years earlier. The Crisafulli Government has refused to release the document and declined to comment to the Courier Mail.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, a member of Crisafulli's LNP, has called for the centre to be reconsidered, suggesting private sector investment could deliver a world-class cultural centre similar to Brisbane Arena. He emphasized that such attractions can boost tourism and create local jobs. The next phase, a detailed 'design and delivery readiness' process, was budgeted at $14 million.
When announcing the cancellation last year, Minister Langbroek stated the government is instead committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through various cultural and arts initiatives. He criticized the previous Labor government for failing to deliver tangible results despite decades of announcements and consultations.
Indigenous Community Concerns
Opposition arts spokeswoman Leeanne Enoch, an Indigenous woman, condemned the scrapping of the centre as part of a broader disregard for Indigenous projects. She cited the LNP's actions over 18 months, including scrapping the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry, weakening the Indigenous Procurement Policy, and removing Indigenous members from arts boards. This news follows earlier setbacks for Brisbane's Indigenous community, such as the release of concept images for a new stadium at Victoria Park in January, despite Indigenous groups advocating for an alternative site.
Olympic planners initially considered upgrading The Gabba cricket stadium but shifted to building a new stadium at Victoria Park, with plans to demolish The Gabba for residential redevelopment. In August 2025, the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation applied for legal protection of the park, with Yagarabul elder Gaja Kerry Charlton highlighting its historical significance as a gathering place and concerns about ancient trees, artefacts, ecosystems, and potential ancestral remains.
The Daily Mail has contacted Crisafulli's office for comment, but no response has been provided. This development underscores ongoing tensions between Olympic preparations and Indigenous rights in Queensland.
