NRL pushes for Olympic inclusion
“We are motivated and excited,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in June.
The $250 headgear procurement event at the Star on Wednesday attracted more than 1000 business leaders, with Olympic organizers calling on Queensland companies to bid for games services, including everything from catering to cleaning, medical services, technology and fencing.
Sue Bremner and other protesters outside an Olympic Games event on Wednesday. Credit: William Davis
Liveris said small and medium-sized Queensland businesses could make up a large percentage of Olympic service providers.
About 50 protesters were unhappy with the government’s decision to build a new stadium outside the casino in Victoria Park.
“Absolutely the wrong site,” campaigner Sue Bremner told a small media pack.
“We know everyone is excited because we’ve won two grand finals in the last two weeks and we’re excited – we’re not saying no to any stadium, it’s not just Victoria Park.
“It’s too expensive. It’s too difficult and can’t be done in time without a lot of money, which will put taxpayers in Queensland into debt for a very long time.”
Queensland sports minister Tim Mander, himself a former NRL referee, said he respected the rights of protesters but would not waver the government’s plan.
“We live in a democracy and it’s great that people can do this freely and safely,” he said. “But we are committed to Victoria Park.
“We fully support this so they can protest. We will continue to push forward with what needs to be done in Victoria Park.”
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