An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group had recommended naming the venue Oodgeroo in honor of activist and poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal, though the board acknowledged its inspirational value.

Opening the Glasshouse Theatre would make QPAC Australia’s largest performing arts centre under one roof.

Queensland’s pre-approved name for the new 1,500-seat QPAC venue was Glasshouse Theatre, decided before the public vote.

The QPAC board, led by chair Rachel Healy, warned that the Glasshouse name could conflict with other venues and discussed alternatives such as The Watershed.

Mid-2025 public vote options included The Glasshouse, The Watershed, Lantern, and Russell Street; Oodgeroo was not included on the ballot.

Premier David Crisafulli defended the public process, saying Queenslanders chose the name for its market appeal to national and global audiences.

Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek supported the Glasshouse name, with formal authorization recorded in early February 2025.

Crisafulli rejected placing Oodgeroo on the ballot, stressing the need for a name that is marketable and easily understood, even as he acknowledged the intention to honor Noonuccal.

The naming episode coincided with Brisbane’s preparations for the theatre’s opening, with Sting’s The Last Ship set to begin performances on April 9 at Glasshouse Theatre.