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MINISTER Kate Jones has taken control of planning for the 2018 Commonwealth Games stating prior to this, the event which is expected to have an economic benefit of $2 billion was "at risk".
The minister has announced new measures to ensure the Games are delivered on time and for the benefit of Queenslanders, Gold Coast residents and businesses.
This comes three months after Queensland's auditor-general criticised organisers and stated the event needed a revamped budgeting procedure and more streamlined structure.
"Addressing issues raised in the Auditor-General's report has been a priority, that's why I urgently met with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, and City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate," says Jones.
"The Games are set to create 30,000 jobs and leave an economic impact of $2 billion but it became clear that all of this was at risk.
"We've taken action to improve accountability so Queenslanders and Games partners can have faith that the Games are on track."
Jones says the announcement brings a new level of leadership to Games delivery with the establishment of a Tourism and Commonwealth Games Cabinet Committee.
The cabinet committee is expected to provide strategic direction for the delivery of the Games and the Embracing 2018 legacy program to ensure Queensland benefits from the Games.
Under the new arrangements, responsibility for the delivery of every aspect of the Games, including infrastructure, will rest with the minister for the Commonwealth Games, who will chair the Cabinet Committee.
To support this initiative, a deputy director-general's positon will be created within the new Office of Commonwealth Games Delivery within the Department of Tourism, Major Events and Small Business.
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