Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
  
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
  
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
  
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

 

[Monks]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews what more can you say he pulls out of these things and leaves us the tax payer to foot his bill for his goofups how is this our fault.
Freeway road projects now this the Commonwealth Games why put your hand up if you do not want it, then again he is a wast of space that cost a fortune in $ market he loves to give away money but none for us pensioners as in the size of what it cost to cancell the roads project and now the Commonwealth Games he is wasting billions of $ from the tax payer

 

[Baz1960]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

No,no,no, simply when are Governments becoming becoming sporting promoters? Comm and Olympic Games are private corporations. As for building infrastructure, most of these are or become under the control of businesses. So at the end of day get little use for the average tax payer. Governments need to revisit the core values and purposes... Roads/transportation, education, health and associated services, (cost of living). Yes, Athletes have been training for these events, though are taxpayers responsible for their careers and hobbies? These types of games/event are costs to the community, not assests.

 

[Suzanne rose]

It's not the Olympic games and doesn't bring in the revenue as the Olympics do.

In today's economy I don't think any country will say they want it.

I think it's the end of the Commonwealth Games

 

[SALyn]

People are dying because of lack of beds in hospitals. People are living on the streets, being forced out of their homes by ever increasing interest rates. Foodbanks are over run with requests for help, even from the so called 'working poor', who have jobs but still can't afford to feed their families. And we are questioning whether to spend billions of dollars on a sporting event? No way, Jose!

 

[DebbieMJ23]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

 

[DebbieMJ23]

How incompetent is the Andrews government. It costs a lot of money to successfully bid for the games. It also costs a lot of money (as a penalty) to reneg. Are the finance and economic experts so lacking in knowledge that they couldn't forcast the approximate budget for the games?
Is this the end of the Commonwealth?
Perhaps if Albo scrapped his stupid referendum he could put some dollars towards the Games. How disappointing for our athletes.

 

[Ideas]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

It seems silly to host a party, unless that party is guaranteed to bring in more money than it costs to host. As this is unlikely with either the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games, I would reluctantly suggest that Australia can't afford to host either. It's a pity to disappoint our athletes, but I feel more pity for those Australians who are still homeless due to floods or fires, or who fear homelessness because of the actions of our bankers. Let's fix our own roof first, before we host any parties.

 

[Julie1946]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

I think this premier is the worst premier ever, he has ruined Victoria with all his cost blowout’s, cancelled contracts and over estimating everything, he is shameless in his actions, has now caused businesses that were geared towards his spin on the games, everyone has lost money that he promised , so they went ahead and spent money to accommodate for the thousands expected to visit Victoria during the games, now all cancelled, funny how Birmingham was 1.6billion, Dubai 4 billion and Victoria 7 billion, single handedly destroyed Victoria’s credibility by his shocking decisions, he can spin it all he likes… but he is the worst, corrupt premier ever .

 

[Luckyus]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

I wonder at the cost and how they can possibly justify it, I personally think a billion dollars is over the top, and can't be justified in the present climes.

 

[AlanQ]

Firstly they didn't 'bid' for them, they were approached to host after Durban had the games taken & relocated to Birmingham. Absolutely no benefit for any state or country to host a sporting event that has no world standing. Only people that will miss the back slapping event are the over paid organising committee. Put the money towards what OUR taxes are paid for. Hospitals, education. Another benefit for the cancellation is we won't be dealing with the asylum seeking sports people from 3rd world countries.

How incompetent is the Andrews government. It costs a lot of money to successfully bid for the games. It also costs a lot of money (as a penalty) to reneg. Are the finance and economic experts so lacking in knowledge that they couldn't forcast the approximate budget for the games?
Is this the end of the Commonwealth?
Perhaps if Albo scrapped his stupid referendum he could put some dollars towards the Games. How disappointing for our athletes.

 

[Julie1946]

Firstly they didn't 'bid' for them, they were approached to host after Durban had the games taken & relocated to Birmingham. Absolutely no benefit for any state or country to host a sporting event that has no world standing. Only people that will miss the back slapping event are the over paid organising committee. Put the money towards what OUR taxes are paid for. Hospitals, education. Another benefit for the cancellation is we won't be dealing with the asylum seeking sports people from 3rd world countries.

If only he did that, his promises are hollow, he is cutting back on health spending now, while Vicrtorians are struggling to get an ambulance if sick, he is a disgrace and this is another of his promises that small businesses were told to accommodate for, now all that money lost.. it’s no wonder Victoria has the worst state debt because of his contract estimate blow outs, promising everything, cancelling everything, destroying lives.

 

[Littleboy8]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

Money better spent on hospitals homeless schools etc! 2billion now of course it’s going to be more down the track! Coastal rowing?beach volleyball? Why? what alot of useless sports!next they’ll want football as an Olympic sportI totally agree with dan well done mate. Stick to your guns don’t back down show us how strong you really are! That’s my opinion. Come on people think of your kids future do you want them growing up with massive debt hanging over there heads just for a few days for a few people?i don’t!

 

[Julie1946]

Money better spent on hospitals homeless schools etc! 2billion now of course it’s going to be more down the track! Coastal rowing?beach volleyball? Why? what alot of useless sports!next they’ll want football as an Olympic sportI totally agree with dan well done mate. Stick to your guns don’t back down show us how strong you really are! That’s my opinion. Come on people think of your kids future do you want them growing up with massive debt hanging over there heads just for a few days for a few people?i don’t!

 

[Judith1946]

Thank goodness the games are cancelled. We need affordable housing in every state and territory. The cult of sport has grown out of all proportion. Look at the issues of a football stadium in Tasmania. Sport is not necessary for life, hospitals, education, housing are. What percentage of the population are engaged as professional athletes? My guess is that it’s fairly small. We should be lobbying for free University education, getting medical facilities into the country areas where people are truly suffering, not to mention putting monies into mental health. The games are not as they once were games, they are for professional athletes. The original games were meant to foster sportsmanship and international understanding those days are long gone. I for one am delighted that Dan Andrews and his cabinet have the guts to cancel this outdated and ridiculously expensive event. Sport has become huge business and it is surely time we got back to basics. JS.

 

[rehandra]

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, enter the $7 billion hot potato nobody wants to catch.

If this sounds like a game you played as a kid, you're not far off. Only this time, we're not talking about schoolyard fun.

We're talking about the increased budget for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following Victoria's unexpected decision to skip the hosting duties.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently let slip that the price tag for the Games has ballooned to a whopping $7 billion, almost triple the early estimate of $2.6 billion, and has decided to bow out of the hosting privileges.

This massive figure seems to be a hot potato no other Australian state or city wants to catch.

View attachment 25494

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, the expenses associated with hosting the Games have increased significantly, amounting to billions of dollars. Source: Commonwealth Games

In response, there’s a resounding 'No, thanks!' being echoed from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

South Australian MP, Tom Koutsantonis, asserted, 'It’s off our agenda' because 'it’s not value for money'.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelled the Games 'ruinously expensive', further elaborating that 'they aren't what they used to be'.

These sentiments highlight the unease plaguing these states regarding the hefty budget.

Meanwhile, acting mayor Donna Gates of the Gold Coast ruled out any rescue operations for the event, citing considerable responsibilities and prohibitive costs as her primary concerns.

Following suit, NSW Premier Chris Minns also confirmed that his state would not pursue a bid to host the Games.

Similarly, across the Tasman, New Zealand also let the Andrews hospital pass fly by.

During the unexpected announcement, Andrews expressed his unwillingness to host the event in Victoria ‘at any cost’, emphasising the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for Victorian communities and the entire state.

View attachment 25495

Speaking to the media after rumours of Victoria's withdrawal from hosting the event started circulating, Andrews expressed his stance on the matter. The official Victoria 2026 website, which had not been updated to reflect the recent development, promoted the event as a ‘game-changer’ due to its unique and adaptable approach, which was described as ‘unprecedented in the history of the event’. Source: Commonwealth Games

In a departure from the format of previous Commonwealth Games, the 2026 edition was planned to be hosted in multiple regional cities rather than a single major city.

The event was scheduled to span over a period of 12 days, taking place in March 2026.

He firmly stated, ‘Six-seven billion is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event.’

He further explained that he is unwilling to allocate funds from hospitals and schools to finance an event three times the initially estimated and budgeted cost from the previous year.

Shifting from economic costs to the measure of things in human terms, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, speaks for the collective sentiment when he describes this fallout as 'beyond disappointing' and 'a comprehensive let-down for the athletes'.

Key Takeaways

• Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the cost of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be around $7 billion, almost triple the original estimate.
• New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia declined the possibility of stepping in to host the event after Victoria's removal.
• The Games were not scheduled to be held in one major city but across several regional cities and set to run over 12 days in March 2026.
• The immediate question arises about how the budget was so drastically misjudged and the cost to the state to exit the contract. Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips described the decision as 'a comprehensive let-down for athletes'.

In light of this, we want to ask you: why would any state or territory want to spend so much money on this when there are more essential things that require funding?

Do you think it's necessary to keep spending billions on events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in Australia?

While we're left musing over the fate of the 2026 Games, let’s cherish memories of roaring crowds and thrilling victories from the past.

We encourage you to share your thoughts on this topic by commenting below.

This man is unreal.....I understand that he actually "chased" to get the Commonwealth Games but has obviously bitten off more than he can chew and has backed right off. I feel very sorry for Victorians who are going to have to foot the bill for cancellation.

 

[Julie1946]

Agree , lol, let’s see where he spends the money, he is cutting health h spending now, bloody disgraceful premier

Thank goodness the games are cancelled. We need affordable housing in every state and territory. The cult of sport has grown out of all proportion. Look at the issues of a football stadium in Tasmania. Sport is not necessary for life, hospitals, education, housing are. What percentage of the population are engaged as professional athletes? My guess is that it’s fairly small. We should be lobbying for free University education, getting medical facilities into the country areas where people are truly suffering, not to mention putting monies into mental health. The games are not as they once were games, they are for professional athletes. The original games were meant to foster sportsmanship and international understanding those days are long gone. I for one am delighted that Dan Andrews and his cabinet have the guts to cancel this outdated and ridiculously expensive event. Sport has become huge business and it is surely time we got back to basics. JS.

he won’t spend on housing, how long has he had the chance to, he is slashing the health budget, has crippled the paramedics, you honestly don’t believe what he is saying, have a look at the blow out cost of all projects in Victoria, his incompetence is mind blowing, he has done nothing for the homeless, you say he has guts making this decision, that’s truly laughable, just wait and you will see the outcome of another of his failed decisions that has ruined peoples lives, he said this games will be like no other, yeah well how true that is, another failure to business in Victoria, corruption at it’s finest.

 

[Littleboy8]

Thank goodness the games are cancelled. We need affordable housing in every state and territory. The cult of sport has grown out of all proportion. Look at the issues of a football stadium in Tasmania. Sport is not necessary for life, hospitals, education, housing are. What percentage of the population are engaged as professional athletes? My guess is that it’s fairly small. We should be lobbying for free University education, getting medical facilities into the country areas where people are truly suffering, not to mention putting monies into mental health. The games are not as they once were games, they are for professional athletes. The original games were meant to foster sportsmanship and international understanding those days are long gone. I for one am delighted that Dan Andrews and his cabinet have the guts to cancel this outdated and ridiculously expensive event. Sport has become huge business and it is surely time we got back to basics. JS.

Cheers to you alsoI’m delighted with your response here’s to common sense!

 

[Littleboy8]

It seems silly to host a party, unless that party is guaranteed to bring in more money than it costs to host. As this is unlikely with either the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games, I would reluctantly suggest that Australia can't afford to host either. It's a pity to disappoint our athletes, but I feel more pity for those Australians who are still homeless due to floods or fires, or who fear homelessness because of the actions of our bankers. Let's fix our own roof first, before we host any parties.

Hear hear!

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

The. Labour Government has never supported the Commonwealth Games.The Labour Party likes to see Australia as a Republic.
Why did Dan Andrews Put his hand up to have the Commonwealth Games in Victoria. ? Thanks to all these Labour voters we are all in this mess.