Mr Coates says while others have rightly reflected on her great leadership of Queensland over many years, he particularly wanted to acknowledge her stewardship of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Candidature Leadership Group.

“She clearly impressed all the IOC Future Host Commission and other key stakeholders right through this process, culminating in the election of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032,” Mr Coates said.

“Since the election of Brisbane as Games’ hosts Premier Palaszczuk has overseen, in her capacity as Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the establishment of the Games Organising Committee and the key appointments of the OCOG President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Throughout this period, she has always insisted that these will be a Games for all of Queensland with Games’ opportunities to flow broadly. The Olympic movement in Australia and Olympic sports will be forever indebted to the Premier for her role in securing these Games. She recognised the great legacy the Games will leave Queensland and Australia, giving generations of children in particular the opportunity to dream.

“We have become close friends and I wish her and her partner Reza all the very best in her retirement.

“I am sure that Premier Palaszczuk will continue to be involved in the delivery of what will be great Games,” Mr Coates concluded.