Bleijie blocks Grace Grace from Brisbane 2032 venue briefings

The taxpayer-funded independent infrastructure body charged with building Brisbane 2032 venues has been banned from meeting with Labor MPs.

In a rare intervention, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie spiked an attempt by Labor MP Grace Grace meeting with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority.

The opposition argues the intervention raises new transparency issues about Brisbane’s Games build.

Ms Grace, whose electorate includes Victoria Park, was denied a meeting with GIICA by Mr Bleijie – who noted she once labelled Brisbane Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre “vanity projects”.

In a letter rejecting Ms Grace’s request for a meeting, Mr Bleijie instead questioned when Labor would determine a consistent position on the Games.

“Rather than recognising the significant opportunity presented by the Games and the transformation of Victoria Park, you have described the Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre as vanity projects … and have not made clear whether you support the 2032 Games investment or the broader legacy transformation of the precinct,” he said.

“I encourage you to engage constructively with the full vision and legacy opportunity for Victoria Park and, most, importantly, make your position clear to your constituents.”

Mr Bleijie also questioned whether Labor still wanted the athletics to be held around temporary grandstands at QSAC.

Ms Grace called Mr Bleijie’s intervention unprecedented and childish.

“As a local member with significant infrastructure being built in my electorate, I should have the right to be briefed,” she said.

“The lack of that coming from the independent authority because the minister is vetoing that is so lacking in transparency and integrity.

“It’s very arrogant.”

Ms Grace said her constituents had raised concerns about the effects construction at Victoria Park would have on traffic and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

However, a GIICA spokesman said it was standard practice for shadow ministers to co-ordinate meetings through the Deputy Premier.

“Ms Grace has been briefed more than once by GIICA in the past 12 months,” he said.

A spokesman for Mr Bleijie called on the Labor opposition to reveal its position about the Games, but doubled down on his denial of Ms Grace’s request for a meeting with GIICA.

“Grace Grace has publicly labelled Brisbane Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre “vanity projects” and the CFMEU Commission of inquiry has heard evidence of the tactics she allegedly used behind closed doors, so it’s important public servants are protected,” he said.

GIICA is responsible for delivering 17 Games venues for $7.1bn.