‘We knew that if it went bad, I’d be hung’
was premier of that state and, like so many politicians before and since, sacrificed countless hours with his family in pursuit of public service and personal ambition.
Having reduced his workload in political retirement to a directorship with the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and political commen- tary with Sky News, the Games chairmanship means his diary is well and truly full again.
“It’s turned out to be a lot more time (commitment) than I thought it would be,” the Brisbanite says amid talk of interstate trips, an ever-expanding inbox and the M1 being his second home.
“When I have to spend less time promoting the Games interstate, I will eventually need to do something in terms of living here.”
And how have his absences been felt at home?
“The grandkids have saved me because my wife obviously spends a lot of time with them,” he smiles of his daughter’s tiny tots. “It might be different if they weren’t around.
“My wife doesn’t mind (though) because she’s committed to service, always has been, and knows what the Games mean to the state.
“This is a transformational event for the Gold Coast … I’m just trying to do what Annastacia asked me and the team to do – make it the best Games ever.”