Calls on two Australian states to save the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Victoria canceled the event
NSW and Western Australia have been called up to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews confirmed his state will not host the global event due to the $6 billion cost.
Andrews confirmed the shocking news on Tuesday, saying his government could not justify the massive financial outlay.
The Games would be held in regional Victoria in areas such as Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton.
Sydney quickly became a replacement option in the eyes of many – the Harbor City last hosted a Commonwealth Games in 1938 – as it has much of the infrastructure after the 2000 Olympics.
“There’s no doubt we’ve got the venues… and March would be a good time to organize it,” said former Australian Olympic Committee boss John Coates.
Calls for NSW and Western Australia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games have increased after Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews confirmed his state will not host the global event
Decorated Australian swimmer James Magnussen said it will be the athletes who suffer from the bomb announcement
‘I’d like to see it come here… (in) 2026 it would coincide with the aerotropolis (opening in western Sydney). There are the venues, the sports have the ability to organize it.
“It would be great for Sydney’s reputation.”
Unfortunately for sports enthusiasts in Sydney, NSW Premier Chris Minns ruled out any chance of his state hosting the event.
Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas urged the WA government to seize the opportunity, but Prime Minister Roger Cook rejected the prospect.
The South Australian government also confirmed that they will not step in to save the Games, and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk refused to even budge on the idea, as her state is hosting the 2032 Olympics.
Decorated Australian swimmer James Magnussen – who won gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast – labeled Andrews’ announcement as ‘disappointing’.
The Commonwealth Games hold a special place in the hearts of Australian athletes. We don’t get a grand final every year like in the football codes. We train all year round to perform often once a year,” he said on SEN Radio.
‘You have a World Cup year, you have a Commonwealth Games year and you have an Olympic year. Take that out of the cycle and we race once every two years.
“As an athlete competing in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and for all those fans who came along… it was a huge event and very well received.
Premier Chris Minns has ruled out NSW diving in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk isn’t even harboring the idea, as her state is hosting the 2032 Olympics
“It’s still very important in the sporting landscape here in Australia. That is essentially the biggest recruiting tool for a sport like swimming. People watch NRL and AFL every weekend.
“Something like the Commonwealth Games on home soil ignites that dream for a young athlete. It has a huge impact on those sports.’
Retired Aussie tennis star turned Victorian politician Sam Groth was scathing on Twitter after the development.
“The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Andrews Labor government have failed regional Victoria,” says Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events tweeted.
“It’s embarrassing and it’s hugely damaging to our international reputation as a global event leader.
“Labour can no longer be believed as it continues to break its promises.”