Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for an end to a political "argy-bargy" over funding for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane ©Getty Images

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for an end to political "argy-bargy" over a funding agreement for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Brisbane as State and Federal Governments struggle to agree on an equal share in costs for the event.

Morrison has urged his successor Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to stick to the 50-50 deal that was previously agreed when he was in charge of the country two years ago.

The former Liberal leader made the joint pledge with Palaszczuk in April 2021, just three months before Brisbane secured the hosting rights for the Games.

Albanese has been less committed to the 50-50 figure due to rising inflation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A national Cabinet meeting was staged last week, but no funding deal for Brisbane 2032 was agreed as negotiations continue between State and Federal politicians.

According to Australian newspaper The Courier-Mail, the State Government is looking for more control over the funding.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is struggling to agree on a funding deal for Brisbane 2032 with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ©Getty Images
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is struggling to agree on a funding deal for Brisbane 2032 with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ©Getty Images

The statement between Albanese and Palaszczuk has irked Morrison who insists that political wrangling needs to be put aside for the good of the Games.

"I was really pleased we were able to strike a fair dinkum partnership to make the Games a success," said Morrison.

"It’s so important for the Olympic Games to be above the argy-bargy of federal and state politics, and to realise the great opportunity the Games presents.

"This means sharing control and sharing funding, and I hope both sides live up to their end of the deal."

Morrison led Australia for four years and was Prime Minister when Brisbane was awarded the Olympics in 2021 before losing last year’s election to Albanese.

It is reported by The Courier-Mail, that the creation of a infrastructure agency run by the Federal and State Government is proving an obstacle for the two parties to agree to share equally the cost of the Games. 

Talks are continuing between the State and Federal Government to find a solution to fund the redevelopment of the Gabba ©Getty Images
Talks are continuing between the State and Federal Government to find a solution to fund the redevelopment of the Gabba ©Getty Images

The redevelopment of the Gabba Stadium is another issue with Albanese claiming that it would require a "substantial price tag" to complete the project.

The Brisbane Cricket Ground, commonly known as the Gabba, is set to be used as the focal venue for the Games in a decade's time and host athletics events.

A renovation proposed by the Queensland Government is expected to exceed the AUD $1billion (£567 million/$691 million/€641 million) forecast.

Albanese's reluctance to spend will be at odds with the Queensland Government, who would need to raise funds at state level instead.

The Prime Minister and Palaszczuk are allies, with both representing the Australian Labor Party.

Palaszczuk has also repeatedly said she expects all pledges made to the International Olympic Committee "to be honoured".