What does it take to host an Olympic Games that leaves more than just memories?

In this bite-sized episode, Ashurst’s Andrew McCormack revisits insights from the 2032 and Beyond series, shining a spotlight on Brisbane 2032’s ambitious sustainability and legacy goals.

The episode emphasises that the legacy of the Games extends far beyond the venues themselves. From the creation of green spaces to job opportunities, Brisbane’s long-term strategy is being designed with the future in mind, ensuring the community continues to benefit long after the final medal has been awarded. “The one thing the organising committee has really done well from the beginning is set strict, best-practice sustainability standards for all the infrastructure projects,” says Ashurst Risk Advisory Director, Mike Duggan.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should seek legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

What does it take to host an Olympic Games that leaves more than just memories?
In this bite-sized episode, Ashurst&rsquo;s Andrew McCormack revisits insights from the 2032 and Beyond series, shining a spotlight on Brisbane 2032&rsquo;s ambitious sustainability and legacy goals.
The episode emphasises that the legacy of the Games extends far beyond the venues themselves. From the creation of green spaces to job opportunities, Brisbane&rsquo;s long-term strategy is being designed with the future in mind, ensuring the community continues to benefit long after the final medal has been awarded. &ldquo;The one thing the organising committee has really done well from the beginning is set strict, best-practice sustainability standards for all the infrastructure projects,&rdquo; says Ashurst Risk Advisory Director, Mike Duggan.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should seek legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

In a world of uncertainty and constant change, Business Agenda provides clarity for business leaders. In this podcast, you’ll hear from change makers and innovators who are shaping the destiny of their organizations and their industries.

Each episode features a conversation that reveals strategic solutions to the macro challenges that senior business leaders face today. Guests are handpicked from Ashurst Perkins Coie’s wide global network.

In a world of uncertainty and constant change, Business Agenda provides clarity for business leaders. In this podcast, you&rsquo;ll hear from change makers and innovators who are shaping the destiny of their organizations and their industries.
Each episode features a conversation that reveals strategic solutions to the macro challenges that senior business leaders face today. Guests are handpicked from Ashurst Perkins Coie&rsquo;s wide global network.

Ashurst Business Agenda Podcast

Ashurst Perkins Coie Business Agenda

In this first bite-sized episode, revisit the bold sustainability ambitions behind Brisbane 2032. From climate-positive infrastructure to long-term community legacy, discover how the Games are being designed to deliver impact well beyond the closing ceremony.

Revisiting Brisbane 2032's sustainability vision

How do you plan for the unexpected and build a Games that leaves more than memories behind?

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group, returns to the conversation between Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, and Olympic risk expert Bob Walker. The discussion moves beyond operational logistics to focus on legacy, culture, and leadership.

Bob reflects on the importance of agility in planning, drawing on real-world examples from the Sydney Olympics and other major events. He also speaks candidly about the need for meaningful First Nations engagement, not only in ceremonies, but across volunteer programs, leadership teams, and long-term planning. With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, this is a moment to get inclusion right and deliver genuine, community-driven outcomes.

This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation.

How do you plan for the unexpected and build a Games that leaves more than memories behind?
In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst&rsquo;s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group, returns to the conversation between Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, and Olympic risk expert Bob Walker. The discussion moves beyond operational logistics to focus on legacy, culture, and leadership.
Bob reflects on the importance of agility in planning, drawing on real-world examples from the Sydney Olympics and other major events. He also speaks candidly about the need for meaningful First Nations engagement, not only in ceremonies, but across volunteer programs, leadership teams, and long-term planning. With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, this is a moment to get inclusion right and deliver genuine, community-driven outcomes.
This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation.

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, hear how the Brisbane 2032 Olympics can turn legacy planning, First Nations inclusion, and agile risk management into long-term impact.

Brisbane 2032: Risk, Culture and Long-Term Impact

What does it take to plan and deliver a safe, people-first Olympic Games in today’s fast-changing world?



In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team, revisits a standout conversation from the 2032 and Beyond podcast series. Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, sits down with Bob Walker, who played a key leadership role in crisis and risk management for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, to explore the practical realities behind delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex events.



The discussion covers the core elements of successful Olympic risk management, from large-scale crowd planning and emergency preparedness to leadership that places people at the centre. Bob reflects on the value of human connection, strong culture, and flexible contingency planning in delivering not just a safe Games, but an experience that resonates with communities long after the final event.


This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation. 

What does it take to plan and deliver a safe, people-first Olympic Games in today&rsquo;s fast-changing world? 
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Andrew McCormack, partner in Ashurst&rsquo;s Project and Energy Transition Team, revisits a standout conversation from the 2032 and Beyond podcast series. Ashurst's global co-head of energy, Dan Brown, sits down with Bob Walker, who played a key leadership role in crisis and risk management for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, to explore the practical realities behind delivering one of the world&rsquo;s largest and most complex events. 
The discussion covers the core elements of successful Olympic risk management, from large-scale crowd planning and emergency preparedness to leadership that places people at the centre. Bob reflects on the value of human connection, strong culture, and flexible contingency planning in delivering not just a safe Games, but an experience that resonates with communities long after the final event.
 This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, license, or promotional affiliation.

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode examining how lessons from past Olympic Games, especially Sydney 2000, can inform people-centred planning, risk management, and leadership for Brisbane 2032.

Brisbane 2032: Risk and Leadership Insights from Sydney 2000

Can we build the world’s most sustainable Games by rethinking waste, design, and supply chains from the ground up?”

In this third mini-series episode, Andrew McCormack, as partner in Ashurst’s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group,  reconnects with Jodie Briscout, Aurecon’s circular economy lead, to unpack the bold ideas driving the Brisbane 2032 legacy. They explore how the shift away from the “take, make, waste” model is reshaping the way we plan, procure, and deliver major infrastructure projects.

Jodie outlines the three pillars of a circular economy “designing out waste, retaining value, and regenerating nature,” and makes the case for urgent, systems-based change. She also shares how digital tools like material passports and twins could soon be standard in Olympic Games infrastructure, and why strong partnerships between government and industry are key to lasting impact.

This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, licence, or promotional affiliation.

Can we build the world&rsquo;s most sustainable Games by rethinking waste, design, and supply chains from the ground up?&rdquo;
In this third mini-series episode, Andrew McCormack, as partner in Ashurst&rsquo;s Project and Energy Transition Team and lead of the Brisbane 2032 working group,&nbsp; reconnects with Jodie Briscout, Aurecon&rsquo;s circular economy lead, to unpack the bold ideas driving the Brisbane 2032 legacy. They explore how the shift away from the &ldquo;take, make, waste&rdquo; model is reshaping the way we plan, procure, and deliver major infrastructure projects. Jodie outlines the three pillars of a circular economy &ldquo;designing out waste, retaining value, and regenerating nature,&rdquo; and makes the case for urgent, systems-based change. She also shares how digital tools like material passports and twins could soon be standard in Olympic Games infrastructure, and why strong partnerships between government and industry are key to lasting impact. This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Ashurst is not a sponsor, licensee, or promotional partner of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement, nor any Olympic body, event, team, or athlete. Nothing in this podcast is intended to suggest any such sponsorship, licence, or promotional affiliation.

From material passports to systems thinking, discover how circular economy principles are shaping a more resilient, climate-positive future for Brisbane 2032.

Revisiting Brisbane 2032's sustainability vision

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